Cheryl D. Hightower passed away peacefully with her son Scott and his wife Jeny by her side on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 in Chico. Graveside services are scheduled for 11AM on Friday, January 16, 2026 at Glen Oaks Memorial Park. A reception is to be held immediately following the service at Patrick Ranch 10381 Midway, Durham.

Cheryl was born on July 1, 1947 in Willows, CA to Frank and Arline (Wehr) Evans. The family relocated to Chico when she was around 2 years old. Cheryl grew up in Chico, graduating from Chico High School in 1965. She married Gerald “Jerry” Hightower on January 7, 1967 and spent the next 56 years together until his passing on December 8, 2023.

Cheryl worked as a cashier for Payless and Rite-Aid for 19 years. She and Jerry enjoyed traveling in their RV with the Chico Elks RV group over the years and spent many summers at Lake Almanor with family. They loved being at the lake and fishing. Cheryl was an avid baker and would bake cookies for holidays, special occasions, and just because. Everyone loved her homemade cookies. Cheryl attended Grace Community Church, which brought her comfort after Jerry’s passing.

She is survived by her son Scott Hightower and daughter in law Jeny of Durham; grandson Anthony Hightower, wife Brianna and great granddaughter Josie June of Boise, ID; and sister Gail Buchanan of Rio Linda. She is also survived by Jerry’s siblings: Allie Miguel and husband Tony of Chico, Dorothy Keyawa and husband Reginald of Orland, Phillip Hightower and wife Kathy of Roseville, and his sister-in-law Elsie Hightower as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made payable to the American Cancer Society and sent to Brusie Funeral Home or online at https://www.cancer.org/.