Cheryl Reinel

Went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Loreli's Place, Hospice of Butler and Warren Counties. Cheryl was born in Kalamazoo, MI on October 27, 1938 to Maurice and Mabel Belding, who proceeded her in death. She graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1956, and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree from Western Michigan University. Following graduation, she taught Home Economics and German at Three Rivers High School, Eastern Michigan University, and Milwood Jr. High. In 1976, after eight years as a stay-at-home mom, she returned to Western and earned her Masters Degree in Special Education. The rest of her career was spent teaching at Pathfinder Center in Centreville, MI. During her tenure at Pathfinder, she developed a ground-breaking sex-ed curriculum for developmentally disabled and cognitively impaired teens and adults. She also spent many years as the lead teacher. Her passion and desire was for her students to be exposed to as many normal life experiences as possible, such as attending Prom, budgeting for and purchasing Christmas gifts, attending theatre performances, and running a household. She retired from teaching in 1995. On August 15, 1964, she was united in marriage to R. Gordon Reinel at Trinity Lutheran Church in Kalamazoo, MI. He proceeded her in death on December 16, 2011. She and Gordon raised their two children, Erika and Bruce, in Sturgis, MI. They resided there until their return to Kalamazoo in 1993. In retirement, she and Gordon enjoyed various forms of travelling, and took many cruises. Cheryl's passion for youth and education was reflected not only in her vocation, but in her volunteer efforts as well. She was a Brownie troop leader, Sunday School teacher, and founder/board member of the Sturgis Child Care Center. As "Mimi and Papa", she and Gordon also enjoyed exposing their three grandchildren to various educational experiences such as museums, theatre performances, and travel. She also was an artistic soul. A talented pianist and vocalist, she lent her beautiful soprano voice to various choirs throughout her lifetime. In 1971, she traveled for 3 weeks throughout Europe with the Sturgis Community Choir. Her hands were always "busy". Her hobbies included sketching, painting, cooking, sewing, knitting, and cross-stitching. Sewing was one of her favorites, creating countless ballet costumes and even making 5 bridesmaids dresses and a flower girl dress for her daughter's wedding. She will be remembered for her peaceful nature, passion for education and learning, and her deep Christian faith. Cheryl is survived by her daughter, Erika (James) Wattrick of West Chester, OH, and three grandchildren, Adam Wattrick of Sandusky, OH, and Katharine and Grant Wattrick of West Chester, OH. She is also survived by a sister, Mona (William) Hutchins of Climax, MI, three nieces, Julie (Dan) Dodge of Climax, MI, Pamela (Todd) Rothi of Bristol, IN, and Susan (David) Pauley of Ft. Collins, CO, a nephew, Steven (Linda) Reinel of West Chester, OH, and sister-in-law, Carol Reinel of West Chester, OH. She was preceded in death by a son, Bruce Gordon Reinel, and a nephew, Geoffrey Scott Hutchins. Two services will be held. A memorial Hymn Service celebrating Cheryl's life will be held Friday, May 18, 2018 at 2:30 pm in the chapel at Mt. Pleasant Retirement Village, 225 Britton Lane, Monroe, OH. A time of visitation will immediately follow. A memorial worship service celebrating Cheryl's life will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2018 at 11:00 am at her home congregation, Trinity Lutheran Church, 504 S. Westnedge Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI. A visitation and luncheon will immediately follow the service. Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, 504 S. Westnedge Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49007, Christ the King Lutheran Church, 7393 Dimmick Rd. West Chester, OH 45069, or to Hospice of Butler and Warren Counties, 55940 Long Meadow Drive Franklin, OH 45005. Private interment of ashes will take place at a later date at Bronswood Cemetery in Oak Brook, IL. Arrangements by Baker-Stevens-Parramore Funeral Home, Middletown, OH. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.bakerstevensparramore.com.