Cheryl Stirdivant

Cheryl Jean Stirdivant, age 73, of East Grand Rapids, was called home to be with Jesus on Thursday, August 1, 2024. Cheryl was a kind and loving sister and aunt who was blessed with a thoughtful and giving spirit. She graduated from East Grand Rapids High School and went on to Western Michigan University receiving her degree in education and music. Cheryl was also a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority where she made many lifelong friends. Following graduation, she was an elementary teacher at Comstock Park Schools. She had a joy for teaching children and always made sure they were taken care of by giving them hats, mittens, clothing items, or whatever the need was. Cheryl was an accomplished pianist and used this talent to play for the kids in her class. She was a gifted athlete playing softball and tennis and was an active alpine skier. Above all, her generosity and her huge smile will be remembered by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Phillip and Ellie Burke, and her brother, David Burke. She will be lovingly remembered by her sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and Don Ploeg, and their children, Cristyn and Ryan Tobin, Jennifer and Peter Howard, Matthew and Joelle Ploeg and their children; her loving Aunt Ellie; many cousins; her special caretaker of 29 years, Joyce; and the many caretakers who helped, supported, and cared for her over the years. A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 19, at 11 a.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Jamestown) 2371 Riley St., Hudsonville, with Pastor Tim Meendering officiating. The burial will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Monday, August 19, from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.