Cherryl Ann Steele, 76, of Peoria, Illinois, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2025, at OSF Medical Center in Peoria, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on September 11, 1948, in Springfield, Illinois, Cherryl lived a life full of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Cherryl, better known as Chey to her family and friends, was a free spirit with a bright soul who embraced life with open arms. She had a special connection to the beauty and freedom of California—especially San Francisco, where the Golden Gate Bridge held a permanent place in her heart. She also fell in love with the vibrant culture and charm of New Orleans.

Her heart, however, truly belonged to her family—especially her grandchildren. She spent all the time in the world with them, never missing a school event, game, or moment to make them feel deeply loved. Whether it was taking them places, making them laugh, or simply sitting with them, her love for her grandchildren was her greatest joy and proudest legacy.

Cherryl also had a special love for animals. She adored her two cats, Kitty and Boo, who were her constant companions. She also deeply loved her beloved Chihuahua, Little Man, who brought her comfort and joy until his passing.

She worked for 15 years at Walmart in East Peoria, where her kind heart and hardworking spirit left a lasting impression. In 2013, she retired after suffering a stroke, but her inner strength and warmth never faded.

Cherryl was the beloved mother of Amber (Joseph) Whetstine and the proud grandmother of Savannah (Daniel) Monroe, Bobby Morgan (Calie Gallagher), Kyndall Steele, Kaleb Whetstine, and Zander Whetstine. She is also survived by her brothers Darryl Steele, John (Marlene) Cook, and Tom (Pam) Cook, along with many nieces and nephews who held her close in their hearts.

She was preceded in death by her beloved partner of 30 years, Dave Coleman, who passed in 2022. She was also preceded in death by her mother, Vivian Cook, and her father, Charles Cook, as well as her brothers Charles Cook and Harold Cook, her sisters Vivian Frye, Rebecca Cook, and Mary Soler, her niece Lisa Cook, her great-niece Brittany Durst, and her nephews Jason Cook, Jeff Cook, and Christopher Cook.

Cherryl's loving, fun-loving spirit and open heart touched everyone who knew her. Her laughter, her stories, and her fierce love for her family and pets will never be forgotten.

A celebration of Cherryl's life will be planned at a later date.