Edisto Beach, SC

Cheryl Van Metre, founder of Van Metre School of Dance and The Appalachian Ballet Company died peacefully Friday, January 9, 2026 at her home in Edisto Beach, SC.

Born in Maryville, TN, she was the daughter of Robert Ralston and Margaret Goddard Ralston. Her first local television appearance was on The Mary Star Show where she (who as a 20 some year old who had never cooked) demonstrated preparing a broccoli casserole. On camera she with all her theatrical presence mixed pre- minced broccoli, cheese, a can of fried onions, and a can of mushroom soup so while it baked, she could speak live on TV with local celebrity Mary Star about her newly opened ballet school and her vision of ballet for Appalachia. Her family still includes this casserole at all their gatherings.

From her youth she had a vision of bringing visual arts and classic ballet to East Tennessee. She studied the art of performance and instruction of dance with The Chicago Ballet, The National Ballet of Mexico, England's Royal Ballet Company, and The Kirov Ballet in USSR now St Petersburg Russia. Her dance company and The Van Metre School of Dance performs on both national and international stages. Most notable, her performing company under the direction of Amy Vaughn, who was appointed Artistic Director of Appalachian Ballet Company in 1997, has continued to present the Nutcracker Ballet at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium for six decades. Cheryl served terms as both vice president and president of the ballet teachers accrediting board, The SouthEastern Association of Schools of Dance.

Cheryl is survived by her husband of 69 years, Col. Mitchell R. Van Metre, II, son, Rev. Dr. Mitchell Van Metre, III, his wife of 47 years, Rebecca Finger Van Metre, a grandson, Stephen Van Metre and his wife Maddy and two great-grandsons, Brandon and Michael Van Metre who all currently live in South Carolina.

A graveside service will be held 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at The Presbyterian Church of Edisto Island Cemetery with Father Joseph Smith officiating. The family will receive friends following the graveside service at the cemetery. A celebration of life service will follow at 12:30 p.m., at Saint Francis Episcopal Church with Father Joseph Smith officiating.

Memorials may be made, "In memory of Cheryl Van Metre", Founding Director of The Appalachian Ballet Company, 215 West Broadway Ave., Maryville, TN 37801 or appalachianballet.org.

Mickey and the Van Metre family may be reached at PO Box 101 Saluda SC 29138.

Please share your memories and condolences online at www.rameyfuneralhome.com .