Cherie Ruth Zillmer

Cherie Ruth Zillmer, age 67, went home to be with the Lord on September 16, 2025 after three courageous battles with cancer. Cherie was born on November 22, 1957, the oldest child of Dean & Lois (VanTil) Favreau. Growing up in Grand Rapids, Cherie graduated from Forest Hills High School and furthered her education at Grand Rapids Junior College. She started her career working at APV Baker before she accepted a position at Amway where she stayed until her retirement.

Cherie was preceded in death by her daughter and son-in-law Lori & Guy Veenendall, her father Dean Favreau, and her grandparents Alvin & Ruth VanTil and Charles & Eva Mae Favreau.

She is survived by her son Shawn Zillmer, her mother Lois Favreau, her ex-husband Kirk Zillmer, her sisters: Kathleen Klusovsky, Amy (Ken) Lance and Darcy (Ken) Blum, her brother Dean “Buddy” (Kristin) Favreau, her granddog Bernie, her uncle Mel Stuit, her aunts: Cindi (Jim) Woollard, Debbie VanTil, Rosemary “Terri” Favreau, Evie (Jim) Dreyer and Minnie Feltenberger, her nieces and nephews: Stephen K., Jessica, Ben, Stephen L., Anna, Philip, Abby, Guy, Josh, Jordan, Dean III and Mikey as well as many other relatives and friends.

Cherie enjoyed traveling and reached her goal of visiting all 50 states as well as vacationing to 10 countries. She loved being in the company of friends and family going to dinner, playing Bingo and cards at the Salvation Army and her water aerobics at the pool. Countless memories were made spending evenings with everyone singing and Cherie playing her guitar. Her infectious laughter and smiles will be missed by everyone who loved her.

A Celebration of Life with a time for friends to share stories will be held on Saturday September 27, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel where the family will greet guests for an hour prior to the service.