Cheryl Brown, 78, of Rockford, passed away Friday, December 29, 2023. Born May 28, 1945, in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Clark E. and Zetta A. (Hixson) Ottenberg. Graduate of Rockford East High School Class of 1963. Cheryl married Thomas Brown on May 28, 1983 in Rockford. Cheryl was a teacher for many years. She loved helping people and had immense love for her family, kids, and grandkids. Cheryl loved her church and enjoyed gardening, traveling, and reading.

Survived by her husband; sons, Ryan (Tina) Brown and Ian (Robyn) Brown; grandchildren, Thatcher, Cora, Piper, Quinn, and Lucy; sister Peggy Messersmith; numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents; brother, Elwyn Ottenberg; brother-in-law, Nick Messersmith. The family would like to give a special thank you to Central Christian Church for their continued prayers and ongoing support and to the staff at River Bluff Nursing Home for their exceptional care.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Central Christian Church 6595 Guilford Rd, Rockford, IL 61107. Visitation will be from 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Burial in Willwood Burial Park. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Central Christian Church. To share a memory or online condolence, visit olsonfh.com