Cheryl Kooistra's Obituary
Cheryl Kooistra, 66, of Muskegon, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on April 20th, leaving behind a love that will be felt forever.
She was born on February 5, 1960, to Robert and Barbara Vanderstelt. Previously known as Cheryl Vanderstelt and Moore, she was preceded in death by her parents and is now reunited with them once again.
Cheryl attended Mona Shores High School, graduating with the Class of 1978, and went on to study at Ferris State University.
Cheryl was a devoted wife to Todd, a proud and loving mom to Jenna, and a cherished grandma to Ryleigh. Her family was the center of her world, and she loved each of them fiercely and completely.
If you knew Cheryl, you knew her heart. She loved deeply, gave endlessly, and was always thinking of others. She had a way of making everyone feel cared for—whether it was through a thoughtful gesture, a kind word, a sweet treat she always seemed to have ready to make and share, or simply the way she made space for people in her life and her home.
She spent many years as a hairstylist at Salon 297, where she built lasting relationships and touched countless lives—not just through her talent, but through her warmth and kindness. She retired in 2020, but the connections she made there never really ended.
Cheryl loved animals, loved her people, and loved bringing everyone together. She could throw a gathering like no one else—full of laughter, warmth, and the kind of memories people hold onto.
She also had a beautiful creative spirit. Cheryl loved making crafts and sharing that joy with others, whether it was something she found that reminded her of you, something she had made just for you or something she encouraged you to create yourself. In the last couple of years, she found so much happiness in selling her creations at craft shows—something she truly enjoyed and took great pride in.
She had a little sparkle about her, too—often wearing fun jewelry that matched her bright, joyful personality.
Cheryl loved the sunshine and warm weather, and it feels only fitting that her life will be celebrated in that same spirit.
She leaves behind her husband, Todd; her daughter, Jenna; and her granddaughter, Ryleigh, along with many others who were lucky enough to be loved by her.
A memorial gathering will be held this summer, with details to be shared once arrangements are finalized.
She will be missed in a way that never really goes away—but she’ll be felt in the sunshine, in laughter, in shared moments, and in all the little ways she was present in our lives.
If you would like to make a donation in her name, please make it to Pleasant Hearts Food Pantry.
Arrangements have been made to The Walburn Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 1547 W Sherman Blvd, Muskegon, MI, 49441
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