Denise Bilyeu

Denise Anne Bilyeu, age 53, of Allegan, Michigan and Zephyrhills, Florida, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on Sunday, November 7, 2021. She was born September 17, 1968, in Orange County, California, to Claude and Melody (Brown) Bilyeu. Denise lived life on her own terms from a very young age. She was adventurous and had a knack for always finding something to do: whether that meant getting into trouble or not. Her first love was riding and showing horses and she put her whole heart into that. She attended Otsego public schools where her passion for sports began specifically softball, which she also enjoyed throughout the remainder of her life. She made so many friends from all over when she participated in the annual Can-Am tournaments. Denise loved being active, playing volleyball (in the mud, sand, and in the gym), she tried to play golf, although it didn't always turn out well for her, and she loved to dance. Everyone knew her love for baseball, specifically the Chicago Cubs. She was a die hard fan, regardless of how their season turned out. Denise truly had a heart for people. She spent almost two decades helping run the local bar with her very close friend and mentor, the late Robert "Bubba" Leslie. This is where she truly made a difference in so many lives. Denise had an infectious laugh, a beautiful smile and a heart of gold. She always tried to see the good in people, the potential that people have and did everything she could to help someone in need. She lives on in everyone's memories and experiences of her quirky, witty banter and humor. Denise wanted to see the world and her dream was to swim with hammerhead sharks, because sharks were her very favorite; she was vigilant about knowing all things shark related. Denise was fierce, fun-loving, spontaneous, the best kind of friend. She was a devoted wife, loyal, deeply loving mother, incredibly selfless and above all her favorite title was Mimi to her beautiful grandchildren. Survivors include her husband, Chase Cherry; kids, Brooke (Kyle) Hunsberger, Shay Bilyeu, Anthony Cherry, Sheinah Hamstra, Reagin and Alyssa Cherry, and her fur baby, Bailey; grandchildren, Lillian, Amellia, and Matilda Hunsberger, Eliza Key, and Madison Cherry; mother, Melody (Rusty) Smith; and sisters, Traci (Steven) Frye and Melisa (Jeremy) Beaver. Denise was loved dearly by many aunts, uncles, and cousins who were more like siblings and their children. Denise was preceded in death by her father, Claude Bilyeu; uncle, Bill; grandma, Betty and grandpa, William Brown; and her fur babies, Hercules and Hermes. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 21, 2021, from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Allegan Eagles Club, 110 Chestnut Street, Allegan, MI 49010. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Rose Arbor Hospice Facility for the wonderful care and compassion they showed Denise and them throughout this difficult time. Arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Denise Bilyeu, please visit our flower store.