Cheryl Lynn Merritt, age 61, of Greenville, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 9, 2018 at Spectrum Health-ButterworthHospital in Grand Rapids.  The daughter of Alfred & Julia (Lintz) Hansen, she was born on September 5, 1957 in Greenville. 

Cheryl was extremely proud to work as a paraprofessional at Greenville High School and last year was honored with  a "Make A Difference" award from the schools.  She enjoyed league bowling, camping, yard sales, and "Keno Nights" with her sisters, but she was happiest spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was a genuine fun spirit and will long be remembered as the life of the party.

She was preceded in death by her father, Alfred Hansen;  and her step-father, Dale Hawes.

Surviving are her husband, Kim Merritt of Greenville;  her children, Mike & Angie Pretzel, Laura & Jim Hill, all of Lakeview, and Trever & Amanda Merritt of Allendale;  her grandchildren, Tre Pretzel & Andrea Henry, Ashlee Pretzel & Todd Barton, Chelsea & Andrew Hall, Alleigh Lint, Jaidyn Hill, Braxton Hill, Kyona Hall, Kaylee Twork, Taylor Twork, Carter Merritt, and Chase Merritt;  four great-grandchildren (with the fifth on the way);  her mother, Julia Hawes of Greenville; three sisters, Karen & Biff Harris of Morley, Brenda & Ron Tipton, Michelle & Jeff Bannen, all of Greenville;  several aunts and uncles;  and many very special nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation with the family is from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday at Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care, 511 S. Franklin Street, Greenville, where memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday with her cousin, Rev. Jim Maness, officiating.  Burial will take place privately at Evergreen Township Cemetery near Sheridan.    

Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.  To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Cheryl's online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit:  www.ChristiansenCares.com