The Passing of a Visionary: Remembering Bethalynne Bajema (Cheryl Lynn Amend)

The world of strange fiction, gothic romance, spooky art, and cartomancy grew vastly quieter on Friday, October 9, 2026. Cheryl Lynn Amend—known and revered across the global art community by her brilliant nom de plume, Bethalynne Bajema—passed away at the age of 53 at the Hospice of Cincinnati in Blue Ash, surrounded by the memory of the worlds she brought to life.

Born on May 19, 1973, to Susan and Carole (Nammensma) Baar, Cheryl was a beautiful soul defined by an enchanting contrast: in real life, she was deeply gentle, humble, and shy; online, as Bethalynne, she was a larger-than-life beacon of warmth, creative ferocity, and absolute kindness to every stranger and seeker who crossed her path.

For over thirty years, Bethalynne spun shadows into breathtaking art. She did not merely paint or write; she built entire atmospheres. Her unique, haunting voice seamlessly bridged the worlds of steampunk, horror, dark fantasy, and strange fiction in art and literature. Through her dedicated work with Attic Cartomancy, she became a legendary pillar of the modern tarot scene. Masterpieces like The Sepia Stains Collection, The Black Ibis Tarot, and Madam Lydia Wilhelmina's Tarot of Monsters graced hundreds of publications worldwide, transforming how modern readers engage with the macabre and the beautiful.

Her profound, intricate style left an indelible mark on the culture, earning her celebrated artist spotlights and features in iconic publications like Weird Tales Magazine, Dark Beauty Magazine, Somerset Digital Studio Magazine, Gothic Art Now, and Vampire Art Now. She was a masterful world-builder, captivating readers as a featured writer in books like Fruit of the Secret God and DREAM. Before illness quietly withdrew her from public spaces, she was a beloved, vibrant, outgoing, and friendly fixture at conventions and art events, always meeting her community with a brilliant smile and an open heart.

In Autumn 2019, following complications from a past fall, Cheryl faced devastating multiple organ failure. Though left with end-stage renal disease and subsequent liver failure, her deep, untamed love of life and a fierce drive to receive a transplant kept her astoundingly prolific. In those final years, she defied the limits of her body, creating an endless tapestry of new artworks and writings far too vast to be cataloged in a single lifetime.

Her sudden departure leaves a staggering, irreplaceable void in the global art community. She leaves behind thousands of broken hearts around the globe—devoted fans and friends who knew her humble nature and generosity. Yet, the largest space of all is left in the home of her beloved husband of 8 years, partner of 20, and co-creator and admirer of 30 years, Michael L. ("Myke") Amend. Together, they shared a rare, beautiful life of mutual devotion to art, imagination, and each other.

This world, quite simply, was not deserving of a spirit so entirely wonderful, brilliant, and deeply caring.

Cheryl’s passing came far too soon. But Bethalynne’s visions will endure in the memory of her own beautiful brilliance, in the wondrous decks, books, and artwork scattered across the world, in the strange and dream-like worlds and scenes she created, and in the hearts and memories of those fortunate enough to have ever known her.

The world is quieter without her, but it will never be without her breathtaking works—reminders of her artistic spirit, endless inspiration, timeless vision, and boundless creativity.

Cheryl is survived by her devoted friend and husband, Myke Amend; her dear brother, David (Sara) Baar; her beloved aunts and uncles, Norma Nammensma, Norma Butcher, Nancy, Jeffrey (Gene) Vanleeuwen-Amend, June Amend Gordon, John (Fran) Amend, Sue (Gregory) Amend; her cousins Karen (Moghis) Syed, Kristina Granger, Melissa Gordon, Lisa (Brian) Thorner, Alex (Megan) Amend, Andrew Amend, Gregory Amend Jr., Carlos and Will Vanleeuwen-Amend; her mother-in-law, Rosemary Amend; her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Tonyia Baar, Robert (Deborah) Amend, and Jeremy (Liz) Amend; her cherished nieces and nephews, Ben, Justin, Anna, Saya, Lyo, Merissa, and Nathan Amend, Jacquiline Wolven, Emily (Keta) Bryant, Jessica Parks, and Stacy (Ryan), Samantha (Abbi), Casey (Nick), and Christina (Fabrizio) Baar; her cherished great- nieces and great-nephews, Isabelle, Gavin, John, Keiara, and Loralei; and her great-great-niece, Elena.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Susan and Carole Baar; her aunt Nancy Kay Baar; her brother, Christopher (Tonyia) Baar; her father-in-law, Robert (Rosemary) Amend; and her uncle Gregory (Sue) Amend.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family.