Cheryl Ann Graves, 91, of Bay City passed away January 22, 2025. She was born January 21, 1934, in New Castle, Nebraska, to the late Allen Jacob Shuder and Dorothy Elizabeth Brennan.

Cheryl's life began on a cold, snowy day in Nebraska and fittingly, on the day she left this earth, snow once again fell, as the heavens themselves were honoring her journey. Her early years were spent on a farm, where she learned the values of hard work, determination, and an appreciation for the simpler, beautiful things in life. Some of her best memories were rooted in the farm, a place where her love of life first blossomed. In time, life took her to California, where she graduated from high school and set out to build her future. It was in college that she met Thomas F. Graves, her late ex-husband and the father of her five beloved children. While their journey together changed over the years, her devotion to her family never wavered. Even as life brought challenges, she embraced them with courage. After raising her children, she went back to school and achieved her nursing degree- a testament to her determination and care for others. She worked tirelessly at the hospital, not just as a nurse but as a comforting presence for those in need. And when retirement came, her giving heart didn't rest. She continued to volunteer at the hospital and offered her time to hospice care, making bears for families as symbols of comfort and love. Her hands were never idle, and her generosity left a lasting mark on those fortunate enough to know her. Beyond her work, she found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved to sew, to bake, to go shopping, and take car drives, always finding beauty in the world around her. One of her favorite places to go to visit was the Red Woods in California. She reminded us all of the importance of slowing down and enjoying the moment. Though we mourn her passing, let us also celebrate the legacy she leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and a life well-lived. She will be missed, but her spirit will live on in all of us, in the lessons she taught us and the memories we hold dear.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by daughters, Constance Graves and Jennifer Forster and son, Thomas P. Graves. Survivors include her daughters, Catherine Tharp (William) and Deborah Graves; grandchildren, Christopher Martinez (Sharon), Sarah Lara (Tilo), Jason Wisneskie (Jessica), Robert Wisneskie, Erica Gonzalez (Abel), Jacob Graves and Dylan Graves (Angela); and great grandchildren, Sophia Martinez, Elizabeth Lara, Antonio Lara, Carlos Lara, Violet Wisneskie, Ariel Wisneskie, Ryland Wisneskie, Isabella Wisneskie, Walter Wisneskie, Eric Gonzalez, Melissa Gonzalez, Jazzlyn Gonzalez, Alyssa Graves, and Phillip Graves; and great great grandson Saint Lara.

The family will receive relatives and friends for visitation at 1:00 PM Friday, January 31, 2025, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 PM.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net