Cheryl Merriman, age 74 of Bear Lake, died February 25, 2026 at Maple Ridge Manor in Manistee, Michigan.

She was born on July 27, 1951 in Dodge City, Kansas the daughter of Paul and Marcella (Foster) McClendon. She married Edward Merriman on August 29, 1970 at First Baptist Church in Bear Lake, Michigan.

Cheryl's work life was one of helping others. She started as a clerk at Bear Lake Drugstore while still in high school then moved onto motherhood and babysitter for others' children. When her children no longer needed an at-home mom, Cheryl joined the Bear Lake Hardware staff and spread her sunshine with fellow employees and customers. A bit later in life, Cheryl and her husband moved to NC. While there, Cheryl worked as the office manager and "gal Friday" for a physical therapy business until her retirement in 2014.

The words loving, caring, sensitive, generous, compassionate, faithful, and kind help define Cheryl. She very much loved and adored her family. And when she first moved to Maple Ridge Manor she was quick to hug people and tell them, "I love you!". She became known as the "I love you lady".

Survivors include her husband, Edward Merriman; two daughters, Nicole Merriman and Erin Meszaros; grandchildren Colin, Nathan, Maddie, Jack, & Lily; brother, Don (Barb) McClendon; sister-in-law, Jill (David) Hall; brother-in-law, Brad (Patti) Merriman; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Paul McClendon; her mother, Marcella Paprocki; father and mother-in-law, James and Marggie Merriman; three brothers, James, Richard, and Larry McClendon; and brother-in-law, Brent Merriman.

Funeral Services for Cheryl will be held Monday, March 2, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Manistee, with Hospice of Michigan, Spiritual Care Advisor, David Duyor officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:00 AM until time of service.

Cheryl's family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the caregivers and staff of Maple Ridge Manor and Hospice. Memorials in Cheryl's name may be directed to Hospice of Michigan.

Please share a memory with the family at www.oakgrovefh.com. Arrangements by Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center.