Cheryl (Sarles) Swartz, of Ottawa, passed at home with peace and grace on April 28, in the arms of her loving husband with her family at her side. She was 61 years old.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 1, at the funeral home. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Cheryl’s life.
Cheryl is survived by her husband, William (Bill); her son, Todd Swartz of Ottawa, and his children with Kendra – Kylie Swartz and Mia Swartz; her daughter, Carrie Kovarik of Yorkville, and her children with Ryan – Lainey Kovarik, River Kovarik, and Ryan Kovarik, Jr.; her mother June Clements of Ottawa; her siblings Michele Cioni and Scott Sarles, both of Ottawa. She is also survived by many special friends, whom she held close to her heart. She is preceded in death by her father, Ronald Sarles and sister Rhonda Anderson, both of Ottawa.
Cheryl was born on May 28, 1953 in Quantico, VA. Her family returned to Ottawa in 1953, where she was raised on the west side of town. She graduated from Ottawa High School in 1971. She took great pride in the comradery of her graduating class. After marrying Bill on April 11, 1973 she devoted herself to raising their children. She set about teaching them the importance of kindness, honesty, empathy, and ambition that would provide the foundation for their friendships and roles as parents. She will be always remembered as a loving mother and grandmother, whose greatest passion was caring for others. In addition to her caring nature, Cheryl had a passion for gardening, sewing, cleaning, cooking, and traveling.
Pallbearers will be: Andy Hubbard, Scott Siebert, Jon (Heavy) Maier, Tom Miller, John Price, and Bob Emanuelson.
The family wishes to thank the staff at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center and OSF Hospice, particularly Amber Robertson, for their care. Memorial contributions may be directed to the donor’s choice.
She leaves us rich in memories.
Cheryl is laid to rest in the Garden of the Ten Commandments.