Cheryl Beth Irwin, 70, was born to Ethel and Marshall Cox on November 23, 1955 and passed on May 13, 2026. She grew up in rural West Terre Haute with her parents and brother, Jerry Lee Cox. All three pre-deceased Cheryl. Cheryl would attend Fayette Elementary, Concannon Junior High, West Vigo High School and Indiana State University where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Cheryl was dedicated to serving others throughout her lifetime. Her service took on many phases as she traveled through her life. She raised four children and was dedicated completely to their needs from their birth until she was unable to continue due to her health. She was a constant presence in their lives and their friends as well. She also was dedicated to the youth of Vigo County in many ways. After graduating from ISU, she became the Director for the Junior Mental Health Association in Vigo County. While there, she implemented programming focused on middle school students and their health and well-being. Eventually she was offered the opportunity to teach at her former high school, West Vigo. There she taught Economics, US Government and Geography. At West Vigo, Cheryl really found her passions for mentoring and teaching fulfilled. She implemented a small store that supplied students with supplies, candy, and snacks and helped the students in her Economics class understand how to run a small business. In her Geography classes she would prepare and deliver full meals based around the current region of the world that was being studied. A supporter of anyone in need, Cheryl once organized a fundraiser for a special student undergoing a health crisis and ended up having her head shaved in the gym as a result…. Cheryl really hit her stride at West Vigo High School. Cheryl was a lifelong Christian. She attended or was a member of several churches in her lifetime. At the time of her passing, she was a member of Armstrong United Methodist Church (Marshall, IL). At all the churches she attended, she was forever involved in any program centered around youth. Sunday school teacher, vacation bible school volunteer, or taking youth on camp outs. More importantly, she could be seen listening to a young one as they told her a story…. Cheryl valued the youth of this world and what they had to say. At home, Cheryl raised four children. First was Tonya Marie Vukusich born in 1978. Andrea Beth Vukusich (Travis) followed in 1980 and Anthony Eugene Vukusich Jr arrived in 1983. Joseph Henry Irwin III (Amanda) came a little later in 1991. All four of Cheryl’s children received ample amounts of love and affection over the years – flavored with just a bit of spice when it was deserved! Even to the very end of her life, when words were precious and difficult to say, she would ask me (Joe) about each of the kids and grandkids. This aspect of Cheryl NEVER left her soul. One night near the end, I heard her listing each child’s name in order (in her sleep) – one of the most touching reminders of how deep a mother’s love is embedded in their soul. From her children, she was gifted seven grandchildren over the years. Daniel Lowery (Kayece), Jude Moore, Sophia Roberts (Dylan), Olivia Moore (Chelsie), Richard Moore, Adelyn Irwin, and Henry Irwin. All of Cheryl’s children and grandchildren survive her. During the last 3-1/2 years of Cheryl’s life she needed extra help. Cheryl was blessed beyond belief to meet Shelby Purdy who would become her caretaker, confidant, friend, and mentee. Together they spent countless hours talking, listening to good music (and introducing each other to what counted as ‘good’ music!), watching television, walking outdoors or going to medical appointments. Shelby became part of our family. Simple words will never explain how indebted we are to this wonderful person that allowed Cheryl to live out her days in the home she built. When Cheryl entered in-home Hospice care, Joe was told multiple times that Shelby was one of the most excellent caregivers they’d experienced. Cheryl loved Shelby and we are grateful she came into our lives. In 1987, Cheryl needed a job and contacted an old friend for whom she had worked in the past, Chuck Galloway. Chuck offered her a job at his photo shop in the mall. There she met Joseph Irwin Jr who also worked at Galloway Photo. They fell in love and were joined in marriage in 1988. Typical of all good marriages, Cheryl and Joe had highs, lows, ups, downs, bumps and wrong turns. But through it all – they were the best of friends, and each had the other’s back. Joseph survives Cheryl as well. The family would like to invite the public to a visitation on Friday May 15, 2026 to meet and greet each other and remember Cheryl at Armstrong United Methodist Church from 5:00 to 8:00 PM (Indiana Time). Armstrong is located at 18500 N Armstrong Rd, Marshall, IL 62441. We would also like to invite the public to a memorial service on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Pearce Funeral Home in Marshall, IL. Pearce is located at 314 S. 6th St, Marshall, IL 62441. This service will begin at Noon (Indiana Time). There will be a visitation service one hour prior to the Service. Joe will provide Cheryl’s Eulogy with assistance from Rev. Adam Penn. Interment will be at South Vigo Cemetery in Clark County Illinois (overlooking her family farm) and will be private. Online condolences are being accepted at pearcefuneralservices.com. We would also like to thank the Hospice of the Wabash Valley for their help in Cheryl’s final days. They are simply an awesome organization, and we are grateful. If you wish to remember Cheryl in a material way, she and Joe began an endowment several years ago that serves St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. The name of the endowment is the “Irwin-Vukusich Family Named Endowment Fund for Psychosocial Services”. Envelopes will be available or you can contact the family for details. Be at peace, Cheryl. Love Always – Joe.