In loving memory of Cheryl Ambrose

She recently retired in June 2026, concluding a distinguished career devoted to construction safety and risk management.

Cheryl Merryman Ambrose, 63, of Reedville, Virginia, passed away on July 15, 2026, at Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center in Mechanicsville, Virginia, following a short illness.

Born on August 23, 1962, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Cheryl was the daughter of Donald Wilson Merryman and Patsy Marie (Miller) Merryman. She was a 1980 graduate of North Harford High School in Pylesville, Maryland. She later earned a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health from Columbia Southern University, graduating magna cum laude in 2015. Throughout her career, she also earned multiple certifications in construction and occupational safety.

Cheryl married her beloved husband, Jeffery Ambrose, on December 27, 1992. She recently retired in June 2026 as vice president of risk for the National Roofing Contractors Association, concluding a distinguished career devoted to construction safety and risk management.

Cheryl was greatly influenced by her maternal grandmother, Addie Blanche Miller, who taught her many of the skills that became lifelong passions, including crocheting, cooking, gardening, canning and baking. A gifted fiber artist, Cheryl was skilled in crocheting, weaving, and quilting. She generously shared her talents by gifting her beautiful handwork to others. She had meticulous attention to detail and was always learning something new.

An impeccable cook and baker, Cheryl loved sharing her culinary talents with family and friends. She often said, “No one is going hungry in my house!”

Cheryl also had a beautiful singing voice and a deep faith in Christ. She loved praising Him through song and sang in many church choirs. A tenacious researcher and avid reader, she had a special love for history and genealogy. She was also a member of the Tavern Spinners & Weavers Guild.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Lynnelle Patricia Merryman. She is survived by her husband, Jeffery Ambrose; her brother, Bryan Carey Merryman, and his wife, Sandra; her sister, Maury Gail (Merryman) Thackston, and her husband, Brent; her son, Derek Macomber; three grandchildren; her stepdaughter, Jolene Bastas; her stepson, Jeffrey Ambrose; and two step-granddaughters.

Graveside services will be held Saturday August 1, 2026 11 a.m. at Fawn Grove Community Church with luncheon immediately following.

Wagner-Elfner and Harkins Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc 600 Main Street, Delta Pennsylvania 17314 is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. 

Memorial contributions:

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Northern Neck Heritage Arts Center P.O. Box 579 Heathsville, VA 22473 Memo: Spinners and Weavers Guild