Cheryl Ann Graves

Our sister, Cheri Ann Graves, went home to be with her eternal Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, July 14, 2021.

Born to S.J. (Bob) Artaz and Carmella DeJohn Artaz, Cheryl Ann arrived March 10, 1948, in Glenwood Springs, CO.

Cheri’s life was filled with love and fun with her brothers and sisters; a full gaggle of them!  

Cheri is survived by her husband, Marvin Graves; children Lloyd (JoAnn) Quail, Brenda (Patrick) Flick; Brandon Belyeu; grandchildren Malloree Stefanello, Rebecca Wagner, Sabrina (Jon) Patterson, Brenrick Flick, and Ralen Flick; sisters and brothers Sandy Crabtree, Bobbie (Sandi) Artaz, Danny (Connie) Artaz, Bonnie (Carl) Waynick, Ginger Watts, Honey (Rick) Johnson, Carl (Cristy) Artaz, Grady (Susan) Artaz, Marlene (Mark) Halstead; her step-mother Jeannine Artaz and many treasured friends.

She was preceded in death by her Mother Carmella DeJohn, father, S.J. (Bob) Artaz, grandson Shawn Lancaster, and her late husband Harold Belyeu.

After High School, Cheri married Roger Quail in 1967 and they moved to Limon, CO where he attended State Patrol School.  It was in Limon where they welcomed their son, Lloyd Sheldon Quail in 1968.  Unfortunately, this marriage ended shortly thereafter, and Cheri and Lloyd moved back to Glenwood Springs in 1972.  

Cheri married Harold Belyeu in 1977 and they moved with Harold’s work with Mountain Bell to Montrose in 1979 and again to Cortez in 1983.  They retired to Grand Junction in 1993.  

Cheri worked for Mountain Motors in Glenwood Springs doing accounting before moving to Montrose and then Cortez, finally to retire in Grand Junction.  
Over their life journey, they grew their jail and nursing home ministries in Cortez and later in Grand Junction, which Cheri continued after Harold’s death in 2013 until moving to Cortez to marry her newfound love, Marvin Graves.

Cheri loved time with her sisters and brothers and good friends.  She shared her great talent of quilting and machine embroidery with her sisters and nieces and so many have quilts by which to remember her.  She loved the outdoors: fishing, hunting, motorcycle riding, boating, water skiing.  As a young mother Cheri could be counted on baking, cooking, and canning many delights.

The family could count on the special Sunday morning “hugs and luvs” message from their sister wrapping all in her love.  Most of all, Cheri loved Jesus Christ and professed Him as her Lord and Savior.

Cheri and Marvin Graves were married October 3, 2020 and had several great adventures in their short time together.  Cheri’s final chapter was a very happy chapter.  We were blessed to have time together at a family reunion in June.

The heavens rejoice with her arrival, while those of us left behind are saddened beyond words by her untimely departure.

Cheri’s old answering machine message always said, “We can’t come to the phone right now.  We are either playing, praying, or singing His praises!”  And now she is eternally home to sing His praises.

Memorial service is scheduled for 10:00am on Saturday, July 31, 2021, at Gospel Ministry Center, 1622 Glenwood Ave, Grand Junction, CO with her husband, Marvin Graves officiating.  

Arrangements are being handled by Grand Valley Mortuary, Grand Junction, CO.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cheryl Ann Graves, please visit our floral store.