Cheryl Ruth (née Sawle) Fairbanks, age 77 of Grand Rapids, passed away April 2, 2022. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Marjory Sawle; mother-in-law, Ann Fairbanks; brothers-in-law, Robert Fairbanks and Thomas Berry; sister-in-law, Esther Swank; and very dear friend, Charles Gooder. Cheryl is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 57 years, William Fairbanks; daughters, Laura (Chad) Hanis, Julie Fairbanks; grandchildren, Megan, Katherine, Emma, and Jackson; siblings, Sydney Berry, Dave (Martha) Sawle, Carolyn (Dudley) DeWitt, Elisabeth (Joe) Monterusso; many nieces and nephews; in-laws, Debra Fairbanks, Harold (Eleanor) Fairbanks, Bruce Swank; and lifelong friend, Mary Kay Gooder. The family would like to send a special thanks to Abby Boyden, our beloved home health aide. Cheryl enjoyed traveling with her husband and family across the United States and looked forward to spending time in Florida during the winter. There will be a Celebration of Life at Thousand Oaks Country Club, 4100 Thousand Oaks Dr. NE, Grand Rapids 49525 on Saturday, April 9th from 2-6 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan, Donation Processing Center, 989 Spaulding Ave. SE, Ada, MI 49301, or Alzheimer’s Association, West Michigan Region 2944 Fuller Ave., NE Grand Rapids, 49505.
6 Responses
Sissy was one of the bright lights of all the classes I had with her from the 5th grade through high school graduation and through the years. My thoughts are with all of you at this time.
Cheryl, Bill, Mary Kay, Chuck, Doug and I had so much fun together in Florida! When in Florida, Cheryl
and I had some long talks and realized how much we had in common. Cheryl was always kind and a good
listener as well as fun to be with. Bill and Cheryl paid us a visit in New Mexico and this is such a good
memory! We will miss Cheryl very much but will always have her in our memories. Our sincere
condolences to her husband, children, and family.
She was the kindest sister in law I could ever have asked for. Thank you for being a blessing in our lives. You are cherished and will be missed greatly. Love you always.
Laura,
May the memories, photos, stories and shared experiences comfort you and your family. She was truly blessed to have loving daughters, a wonderful dedicated husband and grandchilder who adored her. May laughter outshine the tears are you remember her on Saturday.
The Gotcha Covered Staff
She was so smart and a lot of fun. She will be missed forever. Love to her family.
Jack and Jackie Brown
Cheryl was a special lady. In our younger years our families had so much fun together. The years had separated us but I will always have fond memories of our friendship. She was a wonderful sister in law. My thoughts are with the family.