Cheri Barber

"Remember I had a wonderful life. I did what I wanted. I think I had great loving family and friends that were supportive; and this is the most important in any life. I had a few small regrets not worth mentioning. Remember that the choices you make, make you the person you are, change even one small thing in your life and it could change the very person you are. Remember to always be generous with your heart and your possessions. No matter how little you think you have, there are others that have less. If you have nothing (possessions) to give - you always have your heart." Written by Cheri Barber.

Some of Cheri's greatest joys in life were first and foremost her family and friends, gardening, nature, love of animals and providing for her children. Everyone who knew Cheri knew her love for baking and cooking. She loved trying Ethnic food, shopping at local farmer's markets and indulging in all the fresh fruits and veggies she could. She was especially famous for her homemade chocolate chip cookies, baked beans and apple pies.

Spending time with family and friends was very important to Cheri. She was a loving daughter, sister, cousin, Aunt, mother and grandmother. Her given name was Cheryl but she would also answer to "Momma", "Aunt Cher", "Ya-Ya", "Jane" and "Cher Bear". Some other people that played an important role in Cheri's life were Laura Barber and Lisa Preston. They had fond memories of raising their kids together, trips to Shipshewana and the closeness of feeling like sisters. Stepfather Charles McHugh, Susan Barber and little brother Bruce, whom are no longer with us, also played an important role in Cheri's life.

It was very important to Cheri to be generous in this life. Heifer International and the World Wildlife Foundation were two of her favorite organizations to donate to. She made sure to instill qualities of kindness, manners, hard work and respect in her children and grandchildren. Her love for even the smallest things did not go unnoticed. A song bird she named "Ike" would sing all day outside her kitchen window and that would make her day.

Cheri, A.K.A. "Ya-Ya", will be terribly missed by all who knew her. In this time of mourning please take comfort in knowing she is no longer in pain. After the tears have subsided, take a moment to smell a fresh flower, turn on some Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young and smile.

Cheryl L. Barber passed away December 28, 2017 at Bronson Methodist Hospital surrounded by her family. She was born on April 10, 1950 in Dowagiac, MI to Harold and MaryAlice Barber. Cheri was raised in Paw Paw, MI with her two brothers Bruce and Stephen. She graduated from Paw Paw High School in 1968. One of the many highlights of her life was giving birth to her three children. She worked so hard to provide for her family and was employed by The Minute Maid Company for 47 years, retiring in 2015. Cheri is survived by her parents Harold and MaryAlice Barber of Paw Paw, MI; Brother Stephen (Candace) Barber of Decatur, MI; Daughter Marne Barber of Saint Joseph, MI; Son Mark Barber of Paw Paw, MI; Daughter Cary (Joshua) Johnson of Lawton, MI; three grandchildren who she absolutely adored, Ethan, Natalie and James; Nieces Tonia (Darren) Arnold of Paw Paw, MI and Emily Barber of Paw Paw. She was preceded in death by her Grandparents Frank (Helen) Barber; Milton (Evelyn) and Brother Bruce Barber. Please visit Cheri’s personal web page at www.betzlerfuneralhome.com, where you can read her story, archive a favorite memory or photo and sign her online guestbook.

Memorial services for Chery L. Barber will be held on April 8th 2018 from 2pm - 5pm. Cheri requested that services be held outside at her brother's house, 50810 Territorial Road Decatur, MI 49045. Please don't let the weather keep you from celebrating the life of Cheri, we will be providing tent, heaters, food and refreshments.