Remembering Our Dear Founder Cheryl Tuller
Our beloved founder and friend, Cheryl Tuller, passed away on August 13, 2026, after a long struggle with pulmonary fibrosis. She died at home, at her beloved sanctuary, with her family nearby.
Cheryl was truly an amazing woman. Starting with six acres at her rural home, she built one of the most respected big cat sanctuaries in the country, now 80 acres and a refuge for almost 300 wildcats. For 25 years, she poured her heart into giving abused and neglected cats the safety, dignity, and love they deserved. She was smart, funny, and fiercely devoted to their care, and her big heart extended to the farm animals who found a home there, too.
She is survived by her husband Mike and her son Ian, who helped build and run the sanctuary and will continue to carry on her work and her vision.
We know heaven exists because Cheryl created it right here on earth.
So purrs, chirps, chuffs, and roars of love to you, dear Cheryl. You are forever in our hearts.
"There are very few people in my life that I considered to be a "Hero". Cheryl Tuller was one of them. My heart grieves with Mike and Ian and all those that loved her."
— Rik C. - Long-term sanctuary supporter and friend
“Will Tuttle once said ‘Compassion is ethical intelligence; it is the capacity to make connections and the consequent urge to act to relieve the suffering of others.’ Cheryl not only knew this to be the truth, she wholly integrated this truth into her life. We need to keep what she so beautifully personified so that we might follow in those ever so strong, but compassionate footsteps of Cheryl’s.”
~ James Caliva, WildCat Ridge Director
"I have great admiration for Cheryl and all of the people who make this place safe and special for the cats. I know you all will carry on her legacy. She will always be there with you."
~ Chris Graham
"Godspeed Cheryl. Much love to Mike and Ian and the entire WCRS family. We lost a legend - but she invested in all of us - so that we aren't without her guidance, still..."
~ Bengal Rescue
"Good night, Mom…Thank you for everything… I love you and will miss you forever… What an incredible legacy you have, I hope we make you proud."
~ Ian Ford
“I went to my first WildCat Ridge auction meeting in Dec 2006. I fundraised for the auction and also worked at the event. When Cheryl invited me to the sanctuary to see the cats after the auction I saw the hard work that it took to run it. It was then I got to know Cheryl and what an amazing person she was and what a big heart she had.”
~ Jan Vales, WildCat Ridge Director
“Cheryl gave hope and life to all the animals that came to WCR, with rehabilitation, and a forever home. She gave a place and guidance for many volunteers and staff who proudly gave their time and believed in her mission. We are so grateful to Cheryl, making a significant difference in our personal lives. We will miss our friend forever.”
~ Starr & Tim Adams, WCR Director (Starr) and volunteers since 2005
"Words cannot express my sadness. Knowing she is in a better place without pain & can breathe with ease now, surrounded with all the animals that she made a difference in their lives is a comfort for me."
~ Teresa Irene P.
“Cheryl was one of the most genuine and generous people I’ve ever known. She was funny as hell, self-deprecating, and just a delight to be with. She had the biggest heart and she leaves a huge hole in mine.”
~ Beatrice Shapiro, WildCat Ridge Board Chair
"Cheryl was an amazing and compassionate woman who will be remembered for her love of animals - especially all of the cats she made room for in her huge heart."
~ Patti S.
“Cheryl was one of my best friends, my mentor, my second mother, soul sister, and the reason I run a sanctuary. My life was forever changed by her and I’m so angry that she left. But she was way tougher than me, and I’m going to try to make her proud.”
~ Karle Busse, founder, RAWR Sanctuary
"She was an extraordinary human being - a beautiful counterweight to all the human caused destruction of animals and their worlds."
~ Marla M.
"She has helped so many animals find refuge and love. Her kindness and love for animals was immense."
~ Marilynn K.
"Since 2003, Cheryl has been my hero. Her devotion to rescuing big cats, domestics and farm animals always touched my heart. She could never say no to an animal that needed a safe place to live. How wonderful that she’s now at home with her beloved felines that crossed the rainbow bridge, knowing we’ll take good care of WCR in her absence."
~ Lin Melton, WildCat Ridge Director
"Cheryl has built a beautiful sanctuary for cats in need and dedicated her life to making it a true sanctuary. She has been, and will always be, a huge inspiration. I'm grateful and honored to be part of the team carrying her work forward."
~ Stefanie Kraus, WCR Director of Development & Communications
"Cheryl was a colleague and dear friend of mine for 27 years. Even during the hard times, I always admired how she never forgot what was most important. And for Cheryl that was the cats, her family, friends, and sanctuary supporters."
~ Tammy Thies, The Wildcat Sanctuary
