Cheryl Jean Erbes

Cheryl Jean Erbes finished her earthly journey and transitioned to Heaven on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. Cheryl was born October 24, 1948 to Raymond and Lyla Erbes. Cheryl attended Central Michigan University and obtained her teaching degree in music and English. Cheryl began teaching music in Flushing, Michigan and after obtaining her master’s in counseling, was hired as a teacher and counselor at Montebella Middle School in Edmore, Michigan. Later, returning to the Grand Rapids area, Cheryl was a teacher at Tri-Unity Christian schools and retired from Godfrey-Lee Middle School. Cheryl also spent a few years as a university student teaching coordinator for Western Michigan University. Every school was blessed by Cheryl’s passion and love for all children. In between teaching positions, Cheryl began her missionary travel to Muscat, Oman and for two years taught English as well as sharing the love of God. Soon after Cheryl retired from teaching, her missionary calling blossomed. Traveling with Transformation ministry through Aglow International, Cheryl ministered in the remote areas of Alaska, the countries of Zambia, Mexico, Paraguay, Cambodia, Myanmar, Jamaica, Turkey, Uganda, Italy, Israel, Greece, Malta, Antigua, New Zealand and developed an exceptional love for the people in the Philippines. Traveling multiple times to the Philippines, Cheryl developed a special connection with a native couple. Through that connection, Cheryl provided funds and support for an orphanage to be built. Cheryl also gifted the orphanage with reliable transportation. Churches and other orphanages were also blessed by Cheryl’s heart to give. Children, literally all over the world, will forever be impacted by Cheryl’s generosity. Certainly, one of Cheryl’s loves was music. An excellent musician on the guitar, clarinet, bass clarinet and numerous other instruments, Cheryl’s heart was best expressed through the piano. For over 25 years, she ministered with the contemporary worship band, Frontline. As part of this eight-piece women’s band, Cheryl traveled the midwest playing the piano and singing for retreats, conferences, churches and events. This was one of the true loves of her life.

Cheryl is survived by her brother, Doug (Cherie) Erbes; niece, Amy (Ken) Westphal; nephew, Brad (Erin) Cramer-Erbes; great-nieces and -nephews Grace, Olivia, Ethan, Ben, and Charlie. Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Lyla Erbes. A celebration of Life will be held 1 p.m. Monday, November 28, 2022 at The Potter’s House Family Worship Center, 5346 E. Deerfield Road, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. The family will receive friends the day of the service from 12-1 p.m. A lunch will follow. For those not able to attend the celebration, the service will be live-streamed under The Potter’s House Family Worship Center YouTube channel. Memorial contributions may be made to Aglow International designated for Transformation Team. Cheryl will be missed on earth, but we know she is now singing with the angels and worshipping her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.