[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 156 (Friday, September 10, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E966-E967]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE LIFE OF MRS. SUSAN ``CHERI'' CHERYL MAINARD OFNER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DOUG LAMBORN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 10, 2021

  Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mrs. 
Susan ``Cheri'' Cheryl Mainard Ofner, beloved wife, mother, 
grandmother, patriot, and friend.
  Cheri was born July 27, 1951, in Dallas, Texas to the late Loretta 
and Aston ``Dee'' Dale Mainard. She was the oldest of four children, 
and at an early age, developed a love for sports, her country, and the 
Lord.
  Cheri was a woman of great faith and spent her life dedicated to 
learning and sharing the Word of God. As a young girl, Cheri's family 
moved to Houston, and attended Springs Branch Baptist Church, where her 
mother taught Sunday school.
  Cheri attended school as a National Merit Scholar at the University 
of Texas, where she secured a highly competitive spot on the gymnastics 
team. It was during gymnastics practice where Cheri met the love of her 
life, Lee Ofner, in January 1971. The couple's first date was watching 
Superbowl V, played between the Baltimore Colts and the Dallas Cowboys.
  In 1972, Cheri graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration 
degree in Finance & Accounting, and in 1973 married Lee in a ceremony 
at her home church in Houston, Texas. A few years later, in 1975, Lee 
earned a Doctorate in Dental Surgery degree from Baylor College of 
Dentistry and began his U.S. Navy tour in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
  The couple moved back to Dallas after Lee completed his tour with the 
U.S. Navy. Together with Cheri's degree in business and Lee's doctorate 
in dental surgery, they established a successful dental practice in 
1977. During this time, Cheri and Lee had two children, Jay and 
Courtney. Cheri was an all-star mom, attending every soccer practice, 
school musical, ballet, Bible study, etc. She even coached Courtney's 
gymnastics team.
  The Ofners eventually retired from dentistry, and ultimately, found 
their forever home in 1991 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Cheri and Lee 
immediately became involved with their new community, joining several 
Bible

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studies, volunteering on campaigns for the Republican party, and 
helping with various events and fundraisers at the Colorado Springs 
Christian School.
  Since putting down roots in the Pikes Peak region, the Ofner family 
attended several churches in Colorado Springs, including Fellowship 
Bible Church, Woodmen Valley Chapel, Rocky Mountain Calvary, Mountain 
Springs, and most recently, The Road@ Chapel Hills Church.
  For the last few years of Cheri's life, she and Lee cared for her 
father Dee, a WWII veteran, in their home, for which Cheri was 
extremely grateful.
  Cheri is survived by her husband of nearly fifty years, Lee; her 
loving children, CDR (USNR) Jay (Jennifer) Ofner of Mililani, Hawaii; 
and MAJ (USAF, Retired) Courtney (Kirk) Olsen of Colorado Springs, 
Colorado; her beloved grandchildren Amanda, Evie, Aaron, and Kylie; and 
her wonderful siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
  Romans 12:11 commands that His believers, ``Never be lacking in zeal, 
but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the LORD.'' Cheri did just this 
and lived her life with conviction, passion, and unadulterated love and 
excitement for her Heavenly Father. She leaves behind her husband, 
family, and friends who loved and adored her and who are celebrating 
her life and reunion in heaven with the Lord God, Almighty. I ask that 
my colleagues in Congress join me in honoring my friend and fellow 
patriot, Cheri Ofner, in saying, ``well done, good and faithful 
servant.''

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