Cheryl Southern

Cheryl (Belva) Dilsaver Southern, was born January 25, 1946, in the city of Battle Creek, Michigan, where she spent her life and grew her family. Cheryl passed on October 9, 2026, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

Cheryl attended Battle Creek Central, graduating in 1964. After graduating, she married her late husband on March 22, 1968, and went into her employment career at Kroger, which led her to working at Bellevue Felpausch before transferring to Pennfield Felpausch, where she later retired after 25 years. After retirement, Cheryl became a member of Bronson Hospital, working in the wound clinic to later move to endoscopy.

Cheryl was known for her beautiful and fiery spirit. Those who knew her, know the impact of Cheryl. Cheryl was the type of person who could cause the sun to shine on the stormiest of days, With a smile or her contagious laugh, she brightened any path she crossed.

Cheryl was a creative and adventurous person. She enjoyed attending painting classes with her closest friends. Cheryl attended Birthday club, and often enjoyed a brunch date. She loved seeing the world, traveling with her family, and made some unforgettable memories traveling with her closest friends.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Larry Southern; her parents, Paul and Mary Dilsaver; her sisters, Janetta Doan (Howard) and MaArion Handley; her brother, David Dilsaver; and many others. Cheryl was not only reunited with family members, she was reunited with her beloved furry friends, which if you knew Cheryl, her four-legged, furry friends were just as much her children as her children.

Her life is celebrated and cherished by her children, Becky Southern and Scott Southern, as well as a few adopted along the way. She was kept on her toes by her grandchildren, Casey Carver (Christina), Kylie Carver, Dalton Mattingly (Ashlynn), Wyatt Mattingly (Haylea) and Madison Howell (Kale). Cheryl never stopped smiling when it came to her great-grandchildren, Caleb Yonkers, Damien, Logan, Caden and Ethan Carver, and Roman Mattingly. She survived by many friends, cousins, and her two cats, Missy and Fluffy.

Our family would like to welcome you to celebrate Cheryl’s life with us, as she was loved by many. Her funeral is being held on October 23, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. We will be holding the service at Fort Custer National Cemetery, where Cheryl will be buried with her late husband.

If you would like to join the family in Cheryl’s celebration of life proceeding after the service, you can meet the family at Battle Creek Eagles, located at 19757 Capital Ave. NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017, between 2 and 4:30 p.m.

If you would like to honor Cheryl, our family asks that instead of flowers you donate to an animal rescue, such as Companion Cats, Kalamazoo Cat Cafe, All Species Kinship or Sabrina’s Light.

Our family would like to thank you for the endless love and support we have received after the news of Cheryl’s passing.