Cheryl Marie Bratt

FUNERAL HOME

Gillies Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Lynden

202 Front St.

Lynden, Washington

Cheryl Bratt Obituary

Lynden resident Cheryl Marie Bratt, age 51, was taken home to her Lord and Savior on Monday, March 28, 2011 following a brief illness. She was born on July 22, 1959 in Waupun, Wis., to Roland and Kay (Vaughn) Buteyn. She grew up in Wisconsin and Colorado and graduated from Denver Christian High School and Dordt College. Having received her bachelor's degree in education, Cheryl taught at Lynden Christian Schools for four years. On June 9, 1984, she was married to James Bratt in Denver. Together, Cheryl and Jim served as missionaries in Bolivia for 17 years, working among the Aymara people and establishing churches. Cheryl taught at an international Christian school while continuing to raise their family. They settled in Lynden in 2006. Speaking Spanish fluently, Cheryl was currently employed as a Spanish language interpreter for medical and social services. An educator at heart, she was also presently serving as a member of the Lynden Christian School Board. Cheryl was an active member of Third Christian Reformed Church, where her primary focus was the Spanish community church plant, Amor Viviente, and teaching in its Sunday School program. Her caring heart will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Cheryl was preceded in death by her mother, and a son, Derek John, in 1995 at the age of 18 months in LaPaz, Bolivia and her mother-in-law, Bertha Bratt on March 25. She is survived by her loving husband of 26 years, Jim; her children, Peter, Cristina and Jonathan; father, Roland Buteyn; siblings John (Anne Sue) Buteyn, Barb (Mike) Galuzzi, Susan (Steve) Van Bronkhorst and Ed (Rhonda) Buteyn; numerous nieces and nephews; father-in-law Dan Bratt; sisters-in-law Ruth (Jim) Buteyn and Connie (Vance) Hays and brothers-in-law Dan (Kathy) Bratt, Calvin (Melinda) Bratt, Phil (Landi) Bratt, Mark (Carol) Bratt and Tim (Carol) Bratt. Cheryl's family will be present for closed casket visitation hours scheduled for Friday, April 1, 5 to 7 pm at Gillies Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 2, at 1 p.m. at Third Christian Reformed Church, 514 Liberty St., Lynden, with a fellowship gathering to follow at Lynden Christian Middle School gymnasium on Lyncs Drive in Lynden. Private family burial will be in Monumenta Cemetery. Cheryl was especially passionate for missions, education and cross-cultural outreach. Her ministry included teaching at Lynden Christian School, Northwest Hispanic Ministries and SIM. Friends and supporters of Cheryl may send financial gifts designated for these causes. Gifts may also be made to defray family expenses. Send all gifts to: Cheryl Bratt Memorial Fund, 514 Liberty St., Lynden, WA 98264. You are invited to share your memories and condolences in the online guest book at

www.gilliesfuneralhome.com Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home of Lynden

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Published by Bellingham Herald from Mar. 31 to Apr. 1, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Cheryl Bratt

13 Entries

Kim Durham

April 25, 2011

Jim, Peter, Cristi and Jonny,

We are still praying for you guys to have the Lord's precious peace. Praying that He is so real to you in this time and for all time.

Kim for the rest of the Durhams

David Durham

April 4, 2011

Jim, Peter, Christi and Johnny, I am so shocked to hear that Cheryl has passed away. I cannot express my sadness for you and the rest of the family. We have been praying you ever since we heard that she was ill, and we have not stopped. I hope that you are feeling His presence with you and his peace that goes beyond our understanding. I will always remember Cheryl as a kind and gentle person who always had a smile for everyone she met.

Staff MBKC

April 2, 2011

The staff of Mt. Baker Kidney Center are very saddened by Cheryl's passing. Along with the excellent interpretation services she provided, she did many extra things for patients.
She was a caring friend to the Hispanic community and advocated for those who had less of a voice. We will miss her.

jesus hurtado

April 1, 2011

I want to express what every hispanic people just lost,in my case she took care for my dad until his death and gave support to our family. we will never forget you maria porque tu fuiste el angel que nos acompano y acompanara por siempre. hasta siempre marie.

Emily Dickinson

April 1, 2011

"Jim, Peter, Cristina, and Jonny, I am so sorry to hear about Cheryl. She was such a wonderful woman of God. She always had a smile on her face. We will miss seeing her out in the garden or going on walks around the neighborhood. We are praying for you all everyday that God will give you comfort." With love from your next door neighbors, Micah, Emily, Kai and Jayden Dickinson (Lynden, WA)

Kathy Dotinga

April 1, 2011

Thinking of & Praying for your family Cheryl, during this tough time & earthly loss. Hold on to eachother for love/support/peace/healing. Cheryl, you're such a dear person and I will miss your smile/support/visit-time as you stopped in my work so often. I sure will miss you!

Raul & Kari Soto

March 31, 2011

Jim, Our heartfelt smypathy to you and your family. Maria was such a kind and wonderful person. May God be with you in this time of grief.

Language Exchange

March 31, 2011

The office staff here at The Language Exchange will miss Cheryl so very much! She was a delight to work with & left an imprint on our hearts. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

March 31, 2011

Jim - We express our sympathies at the news of Cheryl's passing. We recall our times with you in Coch with appreciation. Cheryl's gentle and caring spirit was a gift to us all. May you sense God's loving embrace in these difficult days. Arnell & Terri Motz (Escondido, CA)

March 31, 2011

I knew Cheryl briefly thru work and I'm sadden to hear of her passing. She was always so cheerful and friendly and so good with our clients. I will miss seeing her.

Ron Doerksen

March 31, 2011

Carol and I were in Chicago visiting family when we got a call from Ken Faber about Cheryl's passing. We were very so surprised and sad. We have been praying for you and the family Jim.

Mel Agan

March 31, 2011

The dental staff at Interfaith Community Health Center are truly saddened to hear of news of Cheryl's passing. She will be missed dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Jan Vander Meer

March 31, 2011

Jim and family,

We were so sorry to hear of the sudden death of Cheryl. We are praying that good memories of her life will bring you comfort and peace during this very difficult time.
Jan (Slager) and Gary

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