Cheryl “Chere” Ann Ruester, 78, of North Fort Meyers, Florida, passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at Hope Hospice in Cape Coral, Florida.

Chere was born on a Sunday, February 11, 1945, to the late Al E. and Ruby Mae Hatfield, and sister to John Franklin Hatfield.  After graduating from High School, Chere went on to college, married the love of her life, William J. “Bill” Ruester, with whom she would raise a son and daughter while he served as a Pilot with the United States Air Force and she worked at various endeavors, but primarily as an Accountant in an Accounting firm.

Chere, who earned a Pilot’s license in her spare time, also enjoyed traveling and sightseeing while motoring along in an RV on trips, reading and sewing when not spending time with her family.  Following her retirement and her husband Bill’s from the military, their children grown with families of their own, they eventually moved to Southwest Florida, where she was active in her church, First Baptist Church in Punta Gorda, Florida.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, William J. “Bill” Ruester Sr., their two children, Bill (Wife Steph) Ruester Jr., and Stephanie (Husband David) Fulmer; five grandchildren, Alex and Jake Ruester, Molly and Connor Duggan, and Paul (Wife Amanda) Dew; two great grandchildren, Brody and Charlotte Dew; and numerous extended family members.  In addition to her parents Al and Ruby, Chere was preceded in death by her brother John.

A Celebration of Life service will be held for Chere at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 14, 2023, at First Baptist Church in Punta Gorda, located at 459 Gill Street.  A Committal followed by burial will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota, Florida.

Friends may visit robersonfh.com online to extend their condolences to the family.  Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home Punta Gorda Chapel.