Mary Ellen Greene Cherka, 96, passed away at Via Health Partners of Shelby, NC on Monday, October 23, 2023.

She was a native of Rock Hill, SC and the daughter of the late Charles Tillman Greene and Vernie Lane Greene.

Mary retired from Bost Bakery. She was a long-time member of New Life Outreach Church in Shelby, NC. Mary enjoyed visiting with family and going out to lunch on Sundays after church. She also liked shopping and looked forward to having her hair done each week.

Mary is survived by her son, Preston J. Cherka and wife, Connie Cherka; grandchildren, Nadine M. Dio, Steven Cherka, Liza C. Goodwin and Amy C. McPherson; great-grandchildren, Melinda Muxie, Faith Cherka, Caroline Cherka, Eli Goodwin, Madeline, Camden, and William McPherson; and sister, Rose G. Schafer.

In addition to her parents, Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Victor Cherka; daughter, Teresa A. Noyes; grandson, Michael Muxie III; brothers, Charlie Greene, J.B. Greene and Bruce Greene; sisters, Ina G. Schafer and Virginia G. Forch.

A funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel with Pastor Jerry Owens and Bishop Barry Camp officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. Interment will be at Sunset Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Cleveland County, 953 Wendover Heights Dr., Shelby, NC 28150.

Condolence messages may be made online at cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com