Cheryl Roelofs

Although Cheryl Roelofs valued many things throughout her life, none were more important than creating close relationships with the family and friends she treasured so deeply. She was a loving wife, attentive mother and loyal friend, who laced her days with grace and devotion. Cheryl was a woman of great faith, who inspired others through the word of God, in which she herself believed so deeply. She remained true to the joy that was in her heart, and everyone who spent time with her felt the warmth of her presence.

Cheryl Ann was born In Carson City, Michigan, to loving parents Robert and Ruth (Witherspoon) Tatu on October 8, 1958. Cheryl spent her growing years in the small town of St. Louis, Michigan. As a young girl, she attended the area schools and was a member of St. Louis Baptist Church. She spent much of her leisure time reading and playing the piano. She started playing at the age of 6 and developed a talent, not just for the piano, but for sight reading and singing, as well. She enjoyed an active social life, participated in band and choir in high school and was very active in the youth group at Trinity Baptist Church. She loved going to plays and concerts and would often instigate an outing with her mom to some nearby town for that purpose.

After graduating high school, Cheryl went on to attend Hope College in Holland. One winter on campus, Cheryl and her roommate got the flu and a friend of her roommate, Roger Roelofs, brought them meals and kept them company every day for a week. It was obvious Cheryl and Roger were smitten with each other, and it wasn’t long before they were on their first date to a concert on campus. After a 2 ½ year courtship, the sweethearts were happily married at Hope College. While Roger continued his schooling, Cheryl worked as a teller at a local bank. They then moved to Grand Rapids so Roger could complete his schooling, and Cheryl worked various jobs around town. In the early part of their marriage, they enjoyed playing Scrabble and singing with friends.

Cheryl and Roger were blessed with two wonderful children, Ellen and Evan, who bring them great pride and joy. Cheryl was a loving and attentive mother, who took a very active role in every phase of her children’s lives. As a family, they vacationed every summer at Little Sable Point on Lake Michigan, and although Cheryl wasn’t much of an beach person, she loved the time together as a family.

Early in their marriage, Cheryl went back to school to further her education. At first, she attended nursing school, but quickly realized that wasn’t the career for her. Later, when her kids’ were older, she went to Ferris State University and graduated with a BS in Health Systems Management. While taking classes Cheryl then worked in several administrative positions at local nursing homes. A highly organized person, Cheryl was a great planner, both for work and social events. From fun day trips and family get-togethers to occasional parties, she meticulously planned every detail, and enjoyed every minute of it. In fact, just a few months ago, Cheryl put together a Bucket List party at which everyone had a blast. Being a planner and organizer was a great asset for Cheryl when she went to work coordinating exchange students for CETUSA. She and Roger have hosted eleven students over the course of several years. Through this job, Cheryl had several opportunities to travel overseas to Europe - once to visit with her daughter; then with her husband, and just this past May, with her son Evan. She said that Ireland was by far her favorite place, and she could see herself living there.

One thing that upheld Cheryl throughout her life was her faith in God. Church was always an important part of her and Roger’s lives, and they were involved in many church activities over the years. Cheryl taught Sunday school, lead the girls’ club and women's ministries and coordinated events. Cheryl was not one to preach to others, but she enjoyed sharing God’s love with others in conversation. Her life was built on the bedrock of her great faith, the inner compass that guided her every day of life.

As the kids became more independent, Cheryl was able to indulge her fun side. She grew closer with her children, and enjoyed more time with her friends. Cheryl loved meeting up with friends at one of her favorite coffee shops, or going out to dinner to a new, upcoming restaurant. Cheryl was easy to talk to and laugh with. Being frugal was also one of Cheryl’s endearing traits. She loved to shop, so finding something at a bargain was the icing on the cake. Cheryl passed this skill on to her daughter Ellen, teaching her the “gas game” – she had a knack for knowing where the gas was cheapest and when the price was about to go up.

A few years ago, Cheryl was diagnosed with cancer, which successfully went into remission after treatment. However, in December 2009, the cancer returned. Surrounded by the love of her family and friends and her faithful dog, Kali, Cheryl went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, September 24, 2010. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Cheryl is survived by her husband, Roger; their children: Evan Roelofs, Ellen Roelofs and her partner, Molly Patterson; her mother, Ruth and Bob Genautis; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Russell and Judy Roelofs; her sister-in-law, Kathy and Tom Jones; her nephew and niece, Jacob and Kaitlyn Jones, as well as many friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert L. Tatu.

Friends are invited to visit with Cheryl’s family on Monday, September 27, from 5-8 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE, Grand Rapids. The service to celebrate her life will be held on Tuesday, September 28, at 10:30 a.m. at Forest Hills Bible Chapel, 4637 Ada Drive SE, Grand Rapids. Interment is in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice. Please visit Cheryl’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may share a memory or sign the online guest book.