Cheryl Beth Van Ostrand's Obituary
Cheryl Van Ostrand was a caring wife, mother, sister, and friend, but her favorite title was “Gammy.” She left this world after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer on April 6, 2024, organizing her final days in ways that only she could and spending time with family and friends alike. Maya Angelou said “A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.” No one could have summed Cheryl up better. We are grateful for her bringing long-time friends and family together to reminisce and celebrate her life together through this difficult time.
Cheryl was born to Cecil and Mary Miller on November 22, 1948. Two years after graduating high school, Cheryl and Gary Van Ostrand were married and began a life of adventures together. College, graduate schools, teaching, opening a furniture store, travelling internationally and domestically, but their greatest adventure of all was raising a family. Gary and Cheryl have two children, Carly Autrey and Kelsey Van Ostrand, and are proud grandparents to Kamryn, Kaylee, Callie, and Rhett.
To know her was to love her. She was a constant source of warmth, comfort, laughter, and guidance for her family and friends, quick to step in and help out wherever she could. Her grandchildren loved snuggling and singing songs or reading stories, and her daughter will always cherish comparing Wordle scores and morning chats over coffee on her way to work. Happy memories of their 60 years together are keeping Gary at peace while he regains his equilibrium.
In addition to her boundless love for her family, Cheryl treasured her PEO sisters. She dedicated her time helping exceptional high school students obtain scholarships and serving as recent chapter president. She recently ended her second nonconsecutive term as president in her long-time membership in the sisterhood.
In accordance with Cheryl’s wishes, there will be a private, casual, joint celebration of life for Cheryl and Gary, who joined her in heaven on Sept. 24, 2024. Their ashes will be scattered together.
In lieu of flowers, please hug your loved ones and tell them how much they mean to you as often as possible.
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