Cheryl Mae Barley, age 68, of Grand Junction, CO passed away peacefully at Hope West Hospice with her family close by her side on August 23, 2023. She was preceded in death by her father, Duane Hilgenfeld and sister, Cindy Baker. She is survived by her mother, Mary Hilgenfeld; husband of 48 years, George Barley; sons, Garrett Barley and Lance (Tara) Barley; grandsons, Reece and Everett Barley; brothers, David (Kay) Hilgenfeld, Robert (Willie) Hilgenfeld, and Obie (Carol) Hilgenfeld; sister, Shauna O’Leary, as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews, too numerous to mention.
Cheryl was born on July 20, 1955, in Grand Junction, CO to Mary and Duane Hilgenfeld and was the oldest of 6 siblings. She attended and graduated from Central High School in 1973 and shortly after started her 50-year career with St. Mary’s Hospital in the Records Department, gradually progressing to a Manager in the Radiology Department. She enjoyed her interactions with the patients and was a blessing to many.
On September 5, 1975, she married the love of her life, George. She and George spent many years sitting by the fire while camping in the high country. In recent years, they became a part of the Colorado Spirit Quest Geo Caching Community, where they would go on weekend outings to Geo-cache, visiting old cemeteries and towns around Colorado/Utah to learn more about its history and the lives of the residents in those areas. She loved George’s sense of humor and would say he always made her laugh. Cheryl and George were blessed with two sons, Garrett and Lance. She was extremely proud of the accomplishments of her sons; Garrett, her oldest, has degrees in Organizational Management and Church Ministries and went on to be an ordained minister; Lance, her youngest, is a Rail Terminal Operator with Suncor Energy and recently returned to school to complete his education. Lance’s wife, Tara, holds a special place in her heart, especially for making her a Nana. She looked forward to spending time with her grandsons, Reece and Everett, because they always put a smile on her face, which was her greatest joy. She loved observing and listening to them talk about things - they even had a routine of watching TV programs together while eating popcorn and drinking chocolate milk. Family was very important to Cheryl and George. They enjoyed get-togethers with their siblings, especially during the holidays. Cheryl is loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Cheryl exemplified her unfaltering faith in Christ daily in all that she said and did. She was a member of Jubilee Family Church where she served on the church council and many years as a team member of their worship team. When she had an opportunity to talk to others about her relationship with Christ, she would always tell them, “It’s all about God.”
Services will be held at 11:00 am, on Thursday, August 31, 2023, at Jubilee Family Church, 483 30 Road, Grand Junction, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to ask that donations be made to Hope West Hospice. A heartfelt thanks is given to the amazing doctors, nurses and staff members of both St. Mary’s Hospital and Hope West Hospice for caring for Cheryl and her family during this difficult time.
