Cheryl (Rust) Panning, age 73, of Wabash, Indiana, passed away on June 27, 2026. She was born on August 31, 1952 in Wabash, Indiana, to Alfred and Virginia Rust. She graduated from Wabash High School in 1970 and was united in marriage to Thomas Panning on September 6, 1970.
Cheryl dedicated much of her life to caring for others as a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. She also served her community through her work at several local businesses. In her free time, she loved flowers, gardening, and birdwatching, finding peace and joy in nature.
A woman of generous spirit and servant’s heart, Cheryl found joy in giving back. She lovingly created quilts for Wounded Warrior soldiers and for the local sheriff’s department to comfort children in difficult situations. She also made walker bags and lap blankets for nursing home residents, cloth shopping bags for her church, and catnip toys and blankets for the animal shelter.
Cheryl was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, where she served as head of the kitchen and was part of the Altar Guild. Her faith and compassion were evident in everything she did, and she touched countless lives through her kindness, creativity, and willingness to serve.
Above all, Cheryl will be remembered for her deep love for her family and the care she showed to everyone around her. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she comforted and the family she cherished.
Cheryl is survived by her loving husband, Thomas Panning; her children, Jenny (Mike) Shrider, Rick (Katie) Panning, and Nikki (Jason) Voland; and her cherished grandchildren, Kristin (Austin) Miltenberger, Hayley (Hayden) Johnson, Michael Shrider, Ava Panning, and Mason Panning. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Boston Shrider, Breyton Wren, Emma Miltenberger, Hattie Miltenberger, and Oliver Miltenberger. She is also survived by her brother, Gary Rust. Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents and a sister-in-law Sheryl Rust.
Friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 pm, Thursday, July 2 at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue, Wabash. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, July 3 at Zion Lutheran Church, 173 Hale Drive, Wabash, with Pastor Schieber officiating. Burial will be at Memorial Lawns Cemetery, Wabash.
Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church or Animal Shelter of Wabash County.
Cheryl’s life was a beautiful example of love in action, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cheryl Dianne Panning, please visit our floral store.