Cheryl Irene Anaya

Cheryl was a resident of Crestview, Florida for the last 18 years and departed from her loving family on September 1, 2021. 

Cheryl was born to her parents Phil and Gwen Kile on November 14th, 1950 in Elkhart, Indiana.  She was the oldest of four children and helped her parents care for her younger siblings as they grew up.  During high school, Cheryl enjoyed playing in the band and hanging out with her friends.  She was a graduate of Gaylord High School in Gaylord, Michigan, Class of 1968. 

Cheryl was mother to three children, Trista, Carmelo Jr. or CJ, and Michael.  She raised her children with her devoted husband, Carmelo Anaya, Sr.  She was preceded in death by Carmelo Sr. (2015) and Michael (2009).

Cheryl worked in the medical field for many years as a medical secretary and then in medical transcription so that she could be at home with her children as they grew up.  Her favorite jobs were wife, mom and grandma.  She also loved to read, scrapbook, and spend time with her family and her many friends. 

Cheryl is survived by her daughter Trista (Tony) and her son, CJ.  She is also survived by her grandchildren DeMarkis (Giavonna), Jiana, Camren, Kaylee, Christian, Catalina, Micah, Matilda, and her great granddaughter, Jade. 

Aside from her children and grandchildren, Cheryl is survived by her brother, Phil Jr (Pat), her sister, Denise, and brother, Steve (Dixie) along with a host of nieces and nephews.  Cheryl’s family would also like to mention the Army Family that Cheryl took on as her own after the death of her youngest son, Mike.  She made herself available to all of those that served with Mike including their parents, wives, girlfriends, and siblings.  She felt that it was her duty to care for them since Mike was no longer here to do it.  Cheryl had a huge heart for the US. Military and showed that by volunteering whenever she could for whatever was needed. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, September 12th from 4 PM till 7 PM at The American Legion, Post 75 located at 898 East James Lee Blvd, Crestview, FL 32539.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you send a donation in Cheryl’s name to the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) at 3033 Wilson Blvd., Third Floor, Arlington, VA 22201 or you can go to their website at www.TAPS.org to donate.