Vigil held for 45th anniversary for disappearance of Cheryl Anne Scherer

BENTON Mo. (KBSI) – A remembrance was held at the St. Denis Parish Center to honor Cheryl Anne Scherer, who disappeared on April 17 1979 from a Rhodes gas station in Scott City.

The vigil consisted of reminiscing, prayers and fellowship with family, friends, and classmates for the 45th anniversary of her disappearance.

Cheryl’s sister Diane Scherer-Morris says her heart is filled with love after witnessing the turnout for her sister’s  remembrance. She says, “She was just your typical 19-year-old, but she had no enemies. She was just a very sweet, girl.”

Deacon Rob Huff and initiated the ceremony with a prayer, followed by guest speakers; one being Jennifer Bengtson with the SEMO Forensic Anthropology Cold Case Department. Bengtson shared words of support, and tips on how to report a missing person.

Bengtson mentions, “If you have a friend or family member who disappeared, make sure they are reported missing. Even if they have been missing for decades, you can still report them. Even if you think someone else probably already reported them missing. Double check to see if other reports exist.”

Michael Riley, of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, spoke about House Bill 1716; which introduces the idea of requiring law enforcement agencies to file information in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.

Most in attendance wore yellow, in support of Cheryl and all of those who are missing.

Cheryl’s brother, Anthony Sherer, is still hopeful that someone out there will come forward with answers to his sister’s disappearance.

“And maybe we’ll have an answer. If nothing else, just find her remains so we can get the proper burial.” Scherer said.

In honor of Cheryl’s memory, a new museum exhibit in Scott City features her artifacts from her life to bring increased awareness of her disappearance, with many of those pieces having been showcased during this afternoon’s ceremony.