Russell L. Cheever

Russ was born on April 10, 1941 to Orlo Russell Cheever and Violet Ida DeWaters in Ypsilanti, Mi. His father later married Lila Cheever, who helped raise him. After Russ graduated from Ypsilanti High School, he began his career at General Motors where he started as a production line worker and 46 years later he had worked his way to the level of new model inspector. In 1962, Russ married Barbara Lou Cheever who in their 41 years together built a house and a family. In 2005, Russ remarried, this time to Judith Ann Cheever, with whom he spent the golden years of his life.

In his free time, Russ was an avid hunter and fisherman. He often spent time with his sons, Shawn and James, fishing and pursuing wild game whenever he could. When he wasn’t out in nature, he enjoyed taking in music concerts with son Troy. Russ loved the adrenaline of live car races and would often attend the local short tracks and big races at MIS. He was also known to take in a round of golf more than occasionally.

After retiring, Russ was able to devote his free time to a new passion - travel. He and Judy often jetted off to destinations including Maine, Alaska and Hawaii. A consistent, and possibly favorite thing to do, was to take cruises. The last cruise explored the lush greens of Ireland. When he was not traveling, Russ could be found working in his yard, putting up Christmas decorations, enjoying local fireworks, or lounging in his favorite chair watching game shows. Even with all these things to keep him busy, one of his truest joys was the company of his grand and great-grandchildren. Russ was incredibly proud of and loved the family he had created - Nothing put a bigger smile on his face.

Russ was preceded in death by his father, Orlo Russell Cheever, his stepmother, Lila Cheever, his mother, Violet Ida DeWaters, sister Kathy Gibson, and his wife Barbara Lou Cheever. He is survived by his wife Judy Cheever, brothers Bryan Cheever ( Dorcas) and Ron Cheever (Donna), sister Judy Hallada, children Troy DeVon Cheever, Shawn Duane Cheever (Kelly Sue), Don Jason Love (Mischelle), Jeremy Michael Love, Justine Elizabeth Sleight (Kenneth) and James Curtis Love (Jordan), his grandchildren, Melissa Sue Hustin (Kyle), Christopher Benjamin L. Love (Amber), Cameron Michael J. Love (Jacqueline) Kalib Dorr Sleight, Cassidy Lee Elkins (Nait), C. Layne Sleight, Shelby Marie Love, Breanna McKenzie Cheever, Kianna Jane Sleight, Brandon Hunter Cheever, Lily Diane Salinez, Greyson Jay Sleight, Aubrey James Love, and great-grandchildren Emmalyn Mae Love, Kyle Benjamin Love, and Riley Mae Love.

Extended grand and great-grandchildren, Michael Allen Evans, Alexander Cole Adams, Aaron Christopher Adams, Karolyne Marie VanArsdall , Ronald Lee Viges, Jemma Aliza Harris and Donald Dean S. Harris

Services will be held at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 900 E Michigan Ave Lansing Mi 48912 on Monday March 11, 2024. Viewing is scheduled to begin at 11:00am ending at 1:00pm. Funeral service will begin at 1:00pm. Russ will be interred at Deepdale Cemetery following funeral services.