Artis Melba Cheadle, 93, of Beloit, WI, died Saturday, August 6, 2011 in Chamomile Assisted Living, Madison, WI. She was born March 1, 1918 in Shopiere, WI, the daughter of Arthur and Cora (Kelly) Anderson. Artis was a 1935 graduate of Beloit High School. She married John Joseph Cheadle on November 1, 1942 in Beloit, WI. He predeceased her on July 8, 1988. Artis centered her life on her faith, her church and her family. Her joy was watching her children and grandchildren grow in body, mind and spirit; and being with them whenever possible. Her loving dedication as a mother and grandmother has inspired her children and grandchildren on their own journeys. She loved to spend time camping and traveled much of the United States with her husband and children visiting the most beautiful sights in nature. She taught her children discipline, respect, compassion, humor and love of God and creation. Education was a cornerstone value which resulted in her eight children going to college and beyond. Her organizational skills, in parenting eight children, were unparalleled. Raising a physically disabled child in the early 1960's, she instructed her family about prejudice, inclusion and unconditional dignity and love. Her advocacy for her own child helped pave the way for other disabled children within the school system before any federal disability rights legislation was even enacted. She was a wonderful cook and was employed at a Beloit College fraternity and Beloit Memorial Hospital. Her culinary skills led to a family catering business for many years where all of the children and their families assisted with weddings and other occasions. She was also employed for several years at Caravilla Nursing Home as a receptionist and provided a healing presence for residents. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church where she raised her eight children and belonged to the American Baptist Women and Ruth Circle; she was also a member of Pythian Sisters. She loved to sing and would also entertain her family on the piano. Playing cards with the family was filled with humor and a keen knack for winning. Gardening was an absolute joy; a tradition carried on from her own mother. Survivors include her seven children, Carna (Ty) Manthey, John (Barbara) Cheadle, Richard (Sherry) Cheadle, Jerry (Deanne) Cheadle, Joanne (Tom) Wood, Bill (Patricia Wilson) Cheadle, and Betty (Steve) Hartman; grandchildren, Scott (Nikki) Manthey, Michelle (Scot) O'Connor, John (Amy) Rich, Charles (Emily) Cheadle, and Anna (Mark) Hughes, Kristen (Dan) Cheadle Blasiole, Gregory Cheadle, Michael (Suzanne Martin) Cheadle, Jeff (Sonja) Cheadle, Lori Cheadle, Nick Cheadle, Chris Wood, Alyssa Cheadle, John B. Cheadle, Katie (Aaron Clinger) Hartman, Becca (Sam Pickerill) Hartman, and Jon (Lindsay Block) Hartman; great grandchildren, Ricky and Jeannie Manthey, Colton, Ty, Payton, and Cash O'Connor, Surya, Soren, and Paulina Blasiole, Annika and Maren Cheadle, Jordan and Jackson Wood. She was predeceased by her parents, son, James C. Cheadle, and grandson, Andrew Wood. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 10, 2011 in the First Baptist Church, 617 Public Ave., Beloit, WI with Mark Maxted officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service in the church. Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium, 2355 Cranston Road, Beloit, WI.