Cheryl Louise McRae

Cheryl Louise McRae, age 65, passed away October 13, 2019 at home in West Valley City, Utah. She was born May 4, 1954 in Detroit, Michigan. Cheryl was adopted as the eldest daughter of Don L. and Geraldine J. Meyers, who preceded her in death, as well as her brother, Daniel. Her daughter, Destiny A. McRae, also preceded her in death in 2015. She is survived by her sister, Kathleen Beal, (Bradley), and her daughter Kathleen E. Wilson and son Aaron T. McRae. Cheryl has nine grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. She is survived by many cousins in Provo, Utah and Idaho, as she was adopted into a family of Pioneer heritage. She is loved and remembered by her friends "in all places".

Cheryl had a vibrant childhood, as she traveled the States with her military family. Her father was in the Air Force, and her mother a homemaker. Her parents were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This adoption proved to bless generations ahead, who were also able to join the Church. Cheryl was not always active in any Church, but she lived in such a way, that you knew God was real. Her influence in this world was tremendous. She enjoyed Alaska, California, and swimming for shark teeth, in Florida. She had great stories to tell about her life, including wearing roller skates at the A&W, and partying with Hell's Angel's. She left home, in San Bernardino, at a young age. She moved to Las Vegas, where she met Mark L. Wilson, whom she helped to join the Air Force, like her father. They married and had one daughter together, Kathleen, in 1977. Mark and Cheryl remained great friends throughout life, even until the end, despite divorcing in the early 80's.

In California, at Travis Air Force Base, Cheryl met Eric T. McRae, also a member of the Air Force. They had a daughter together, Destiny Ann, in 1981. Cheryl was not able to have more children, after infertility treatments, but they were blessed with a surprise son, 11 months later, Aaron Thomas, in 1982. Eric and Cheryl were great partners, in this life, helping each other, "come what may". They were the perfect example of patriotism and working for the American Dream, as they worked honestly for everything they had. They taught their children well. Cheryl worked hard to support Eric's career. The family lived in California, Delaware, and settled in Utah, where the LDS Church later became a greater part of her life. Cheryl lived "a life of color"...she made friends everywhere she went.

There were always new and interesting people she shared with her family. She loved to camp, fish, crabbing, sewing, cooking, reading--and to party. She was the ultimate homemaker. She could filet a blue-gill, cook up fresh crabs, and sew a complicated dress for her daughter--all in one day. Her spirit was "fierce", on this Earth. She stood for many battles, at home, and in the community, and won, defending her children, and family, along the way. She had many interests, and would bring stacks of books home from the library. This love of books was passed on to her kids and grandchildren. If she didn't know how to do something, she would teach herself. We admired her...and we would watch her tackle challenges in life at full force. Many times in life, our family and friends would call upon her for help, in challenges, because she had a way of making things "happen". Cheryl is a soul that

cannot be duplicated...She endured many orthopedic injuries and surgeries, and conquered disability until she could work no more. She then spent her time on her home, and with her animals. There were always plenty of dogs and cats around, with a few parakeets. She would garden and cook, after working all day. She had the energy to do so. Cheryl truly "lived", her life. She broke her femur in September 2018, and conquered. In May 2019, she was diagnosed with lung cancer. She finished every treatment, and no doubt would have conquered that, as well. She passed away, in her sleep, on the morning of Sunday, October 13th, as the beautiful color of fall leaves emerged. Fall will always remind us of her, now, as Spring reminds us of Destiny. Cheryl cannot be forgotten, because she lives on in her children and grandchildren. We see her in them, and we know she's watching over us.