Cheryl Lynn Koontz's Obituary
Decatur-Cheryl Lynn (Van Alstine) Koontz, 61, of Decatur, passed away at 3:08 p.m. Saturday, March 20, 2010 at Decatur Memorial Hospital with her family by her side.
Mass of the Resurrection to celebrate Cheryl's life will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 407 E. Eldorado, with Father Jeff Grant and Deacon Greg Sullivan presiding. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home with a Vigil Prayer Service at 4:45 p.m. Interment with 'Flight Home' Ceremony will be in Graceland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Homeward Bound Pet Shelter or Ss. James & Patrick Catholic Church. Online condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
Cheryl was born September 28, 1948 in Decatur, the daughter of William, Sr. and Wilma (Perkins) Van Alstine. She was a graduate of MacArthur High School class of 1966. She began her career in banking immediately after graduation at the Northtown Bank in Decatur. She remained with the bank for forty-three years through all of the acquisitions and name changes to her current position at Regions Bank. Cheryl was active in the community and served on the Lincoln Theater board. She was a member of Ss. James and Patrick Catholic Church and the Noon Women's Network. At the time of her death, she loved and cared for her three rescue dogs Maxie, Abby, and Luvvy. She was loved and respected by the banking community and all who knew her. She married Rolland 'Rollie' Koontz of Forsyth October 30, 1992 in Decatur. They had a wonderful and loving life until Rollie passed away on July 18, 2000 after a three year battle with male breast cancer.
She leaves behind her step-son; Neil Koontz and step-daughter; Danet Thompson both of Tallahassee, Florida, brothers; Dr. Randy Van Alstine and wife Mary of Naples, Florida and Dr. Bill Van Alstine and wife Nilda of Decatur, sister; Marcia Comerford of Decatur, granddaughters; Bethany, Shelby, and Marley Thompson of Tallahassee, Florida, nephews; Jason Van Alstine of Chatham and Michael Comerford and wife Megan of Decatur, nieces; Sara Kennedy and husband BJ of Decatur and Jenny Sykes and husband Matt of Decatur, great-nephews; William and Benjamin Van Alstine and Alister Kennedy; great-nieces; Emma, Evelyn, and Eloise Comerford and Adeline Sykes, and mother-in-law Nelda Wilson of Decatur.
She was reunited in heaven with her parents, husband, and niece Mary Louise Comerford.
Cheryl was a gentle, loving person with many friends and no enemies. The first day of Spring was a perfect day for her trip to heaven because she loved her yard and flowers. She was an eighteen year survivor of breast cancer until she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in September of 2009. The family would like to thank Decatur Memorial Hospital ICU South Unit especially Mike, Brian, Tonya, and Michelle, for their unwavering dedication, professionalism, and kindness in caring for Cheryl. Also a special thanks to the many attending Physicians and Nurses that cared for Cheryl.
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