Cheryl Mae Baculy

Cheryl Mae Baculy, 70, passed away at home on Thursday, April 24 after a courageous five-month long battle against brain cancer. She was born on June 25, 1954 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to the late Carl Morehouse of Cedar Springs and the late Carol Ritchie of Seminole, Florida.

A Celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 21, at 7887 Ramsdell Dr. NE in Rockford at 1:00 p.m. Fellowship for family and friends to follow.

Cheryl grew up in Cedar Springs and graduated from Cedar Springs High School in 1972. Her Father “Country Carl” was a true horse whisperer and immersed Cheryl and her three siblings Carla, Curt and Cindy into his passion at an early age through the 4-H organization; subsequently horses became a part of daily family life. Cheryl’s favorite Horse was “Sonny” and they soon became known as “Sonny and Cher.” Her much beloved grandparents, Gramma Thelma and Grandpa Jake, whom she attributed her strong work ethic and moral compass to, provided her a nurturing home away from home until Cheryl left Cedar Springs at the tender age of 18. Once she hit the road she would live in the southwestern United States for the next 18 years, the last several of those residing in the LA area. In 1987 after a successful career in the retail fashion industry working as a regional manager for the Kinney corporation and finally as the director of admissions at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, she decided to decompress from the business world and spent the next eight months backpacking across Australia, and  another month exploring Bali. After all this time away, she returned to Cedar Springs. Within a short time, she met her husband, Eric. They fell fast in love, but there was a catch. Cheryl informed Eric that if he wanted her as his own, he would have to follow her to a place of an undetermined location. Together they took a week-long exploratory trip to Santa Fe, NM, and fell in love with it.  It became their home for 4 years before moving back to Cedar Springs. In 1998 their son Jonathan was born and Cheryl began her most cherished role, as a mom. In 2008 Cheryl was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent chemo and radiation treatments. She remained cancer free right up until her latest diagnosis late in 2024. Cheryl’s strong and abiding faith carried her through difficult and joyous times and her willingness to share her faith was inspirational to others.

For the past three years Cheryl volunteered at Assure Women’s Center, assisting and counseling young families in need. Cheryl was especially known for her love of children everywhere.

In addition to her husband, Cheryl is survived by her son, Jonathan; siblings, Carla (Bruce) Springer, Curt Morehouse, Cindy (Doug) Burnham, Jamie (Mike) Conaty, Jacquie (Joe) McKenna; her stepmother, Theresa Morehouse and children, Gail Howard, Greg Howard, Grant (Gerianna) Howard, Gerald Howard.

She was a devoted aunt and enjoyed close relationships with her nieces and nephews along with her great nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the love and support given by family, friends and Faith Hospice. Without the compassionate contributions of everyone, Cheryl could not have experienced a better level of care and comfort.

Memorial contributions in Cheryl's name may be made to Assure Women's Center, 6 N. First St., Cedar Springs, MI 49319.

Arrangements by K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.