Cheryl Henriksen Obituary

Cheryl Lynne (Young) Henriksen was born on Aug. 19, 1944, in Fallbrook, Calif., to Phillip and Florence Young. The eldest of four children and the only daughter, Cheryl grew up in Hawthorne and North Long Beach, Calif. In 1961, the Young family opened their home to Maria Elena, an exchange student from Argentina, who became the sister Cheryl never had. From poodle skirts to Elvis sing-alongs, the two shared a lifelong bond that extended far beyond their teenage years.

Cheryl graduated from David Starr Jordan High School in Los Angeles in 1962 and continued her education at Humboldt State. Spending the summer of 1964 at the University of Hawaii's swim program. She excelled in her studies at Humboldt. She earned both a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education (with honors) in 1966 and a Master of Arts in Physical Education in 1969, specializing in competitive swim coaching.

Her love of teaching and athletics led her to West High School in Bakersfield, Calif., where she served as a PE teacher and swim coach. Her leadership and passion paid off when her team became league champions in 1969 - a proud and defining moment of her early career.

In 1973, Cheryl married the love of her life, G. Bert Henriksen, and moved to the family farm in Lewiston, where she would spend the rest of her life. Together, they built a home rooted in faith, family and hard work. Cheryl and Bert adopted four children - Ann Marie, Sara, David and Luke - who were the center of her world. She prayed for each of them daily, finding joy in every part of their lives.

Cheryl was the heart of the Henriksen farm, ensuring Bert was always greeted during harvest with fresh lemonade, cookies and words of encouragement. She was his proudest supporter at the fair, showing off his dahlias and wheat to anyone within earshot. Whether on long drives through farmland or extended travel days with multiple airport stops, she remained cheerful and content - simply grateful to be alongside him.

As a mother, Cheryl was extraordinary. She never missed a piano recital, dance performance, football game or karate test. Her faith was woven into daily life; she didn't just drop her children off at church - she went with them, teaching them by example to love, serve and trust God through every season.

Cheryl's devotion to her faith was steadfast, even as she battled psoriatic arthritis, a painful condition she faced for decades. Though often confined to bed during severe flares, she never complained. Instead, she expressed gratitude for the blessings in her life and praised God through every trial. Her quiet strength was a living testimony of her faith.

There was, however, one exception to her patience - when her teams lost. A loyal fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Rams, Lakers and Anaheim Mighty Ducks, Cheryl brought her competitive spirit to every game. Sports was definitely her thing, with cheering (and occasional yelling) filling the home year-round.

Cheryl's faith was also lived out through service. She was a devoted member of Orchards Community Church, volunteering in AWANA, teaching Sunday School, serving on the Missionary Board, and leading Women of Worth small groups. One of her greatest joys was traveling to Rwanda in 2009 to share the gospel and shine God's light abroad.

A lifelong reader, Cheryl found comfort and adventure between the pages of her favorite books. Mystery novels and Christian devotionals lined her shelves by the thousands, and she passed her love of reading on to her grandchildren - gifting them books for every milestone and celebration.

Cheryl is survived by her children, Sara, Ann Marie (Matthew), David (Kristina) and Luke (Stina); and by her cherished grandchildren, Mykal, Bailey, Jakobi, Mason, Maddison, Justin, Jessalyn, Henry, Ryan and Grace. She is also survived by her brothers Blair (Annie) and Paul (Karen); her sister Maria Elena; and her sister-in-law Terri. Her legacy of love, faith and perseverance lives on in each of them.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Bert; her brother David; her sister-in-law Sandi; and her parents, Phillip and Florence Young.

A viewing will be held from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, at Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home, 1711 18th St., Lewiston. A celebration of life will follow at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at Orchards Community Church, 822 Bryden Ave., Lewiston, with fellowship to follow.

In lieu of flowers, Cheryl would want you to love others as she did - by asking someone how you can pray for them. And if you'd also lift up a prayer for the Dodgers, Rams, Lakers and Ducks to have great seasons ahead, she'd be smiling from Heaven.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." – Matthew 25:23