Cheryle Denise Woods

Cheryle Denise Moore Woods, 67, of Comanche, passed away on August 13, 2026.

If there is one thing to know about Cheryle, or if there is one thing you already know about Cheryle, it is that she loved her family. She lived a life of love as a child of God, daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. In this life, and in the nearer presence of Jesus where she now lives, she was known and will be known for a love so deep for her family that it transcends life and death.

Cheryle was born September 22, 1958, in Dublin, Texas, to Lorene and Guy Elthris Moore. She spent her whole life deep in the heart of Texas, and you would assume they came up with the term "steel magnolia" after meeting her. Cheryle embraced the freedom of growing up on her family farm in Gustine, where she rode a motorcycle, drove her brother's race cars, and developed her lifelong love of animals. Her pets included cows, chickens, many beloved dogs, hundreds of tamed barn cats, and even an orphaned possum. She attended Gustine schools, where she was an honor student and member of the Pep Squad and Future Homemakers of America. She was part of the Gustine High School Class of 1977 but graduated from Winters High School after moving there before her senior year.

In 1973, her life changed when she met Steve Woods at a football game, and they quickly realized they never wanted to be apart. To quote Cheryle on their 50th anniversary, "On June 26, 1976, these two crazy kids decided to get married."

Cheryle's life as a wife and mother was her greatest joy, but she also endured extreme heartbreak. She and Steve experienced the deepest grief parents could ever know: losing their son, Bren. Their family persevered, coming together to love and support each other through every tear and the deep pain that continued long after losing him. This is a testament to Cheryle's love for her children, the love she shared with Steve, and her love for her family.

She was known for her appreciation of music, dedication to dear friends, and wonderful sense of humor. Even when battling endless health challenges, her bravery was punctuated with a dry wit and the ability to find humor in every situation.

Cheryle was a dedicated school librarian at Gustine ISD and Early High School, showing children such profound love and making a difference in their lives. Over the years, countless children have said, "Mrs. Woods changed my life." To honor Cheryle's lifelong love of books and years of inspiring others through her work as a librarian, a Little Free Library will be placed in Comanche in her memory.

Cheryle is survived by her beloved husband of over 50 years, Steve; her daughters, who she loved more than life, Kristin Woods and Kendra Woodruff (husband Douglas); her precious grandsons who were worth every mile of every visit, Kaison and Barrett; her great granddaughter, Emerie Elizabeth; her brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Julie Moore; numerous nieces, nephews, and friends; and her cherished cat, Mimi. Cheryle was preceded in death by her son, Steven Bren Woods; her parents, Lorene and Guy Elthris Moore; and her parents-in-law, LaVerne and Ralph Woods.

In memory of Cheryle, donations may be made to Baggett Creek Cemetery Association, SafeLaunch Healthy Futures, or Comanche All Pets Alive.

You are invited to honor Cheryle's life alongside her family as they celebrate the beautiful woman she was.

Visitation: Wednesday, August 19th, from 5:00-7:00 PM.

Celebration of Life: Thursday, August 20th, at 2:00 PM at Comanche Funeral Home, with burial following at Baggett Creek Cemetery in Gustine.