Cheryl Lee Arft Foltz's Obituary
Cheryl Lee Arft Foltz of Gainesville passed away on February 19, 2018, just 2 days short of her 72nd birthday.
Cheryl was born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan. Following graduation from the University of Michigan School of Nursing in 1968, she married John Foltz and commenced working for the Wayne County Health Department. From 1970-1973 the couple worked at the El Vergel Agricultural School, Angol, Chile as missionaries of the United Methodist Church. They resided in College Station, Texas from 1974 to 1977 where Cheryl was the night nurse at a local hospital until their first child was born. They moved to Gainesville in 1977 when John started working for the University of Florida. Cheryl devoted herself to the joys of motherhood, raising two children and serving in organizations like Scouting, PTA, and United Methodist Women. In 1992, she returned to the workforce as a school nurse with the School Board of Alachua County. She retired in 2011, a little earlier than planned, owing to the onset of Parkinson's Disease. She and John enjoyed travel, visiting relatives across the nation, hiking in our wondrous National Parks, and taking a cruise around Cape Horn. At home she was always working on several craft projects and delighted in giving them to friends. She was cherished by her family and friends and will always be remembered as a generous and caring soul. Her suffering is over, but her love continues.
Cheryl is survived by her husband John Foltz, daughter Jennifer Wiltz (Andrew), son Jeff Foltz, grandson Alexander Wiltz, sister Judy Brown (Russell), and sister Susan Cox (Clark). She was preceded in death by her parents Edwin William Arft and Annis Jane Fisher Arft.
A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 11:00 AM in the sanctuary at Trinity United Methodist Church, 4000 NW 53rd Ave, Gainesville, with a reception immediately following.
Cheryl dedicated her life to service of others. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you honor Cheryl with a contribution to the Parkinson's Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131, < www.parkinson.org>.
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