Cheryl Lee Helgerson

Cheryl Lee Helgerson, (Miller, Gould, Gray), passed away on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at 7:31 a.m. at Mid-Valley Hospital in Omak, Washington. She battled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for four years. Born on December 14, 1949, in Silverton, Oregon, Cheryl grew up in Salem and Turner with her parents, Harlan and Jean Miller, and three siblings. She graduated from Cascade High School in 1968 and later married, raising three children. Despite life’s challenges, Cheryl maintained a positive outlook and was known for her love and concern for her family. She often shared laughter and candidness, teaching us that life is fleeting. Cheryl was fearless in expressing her opinions and providing honest feedback. She sensed when something was amiss and celebrated our successes. Her eccentricities included amusing expressions and noises when conveying information. She had a strict rule that anyone who ate her final Reese’s candy bar had to flee. She loved finding hidden gems at garage sales, antiques, and culinary arts, and could transform simple ingredients into elaborate meals. Cheryl was also a skilled painter, especially in oil painting, and recently discovered a love for macrame. Cheryl taught us resilience, humor, generosity, and determination. We’re saddened by Cheryl’s untimely passing. If she were still with us, she’d want us to prioritize well-being and support each other. She’d also inquire about who’s bringing the mashed potatoes and gravy to her celebration of life Cheryl’s survived by her husband Jeff Helgerson, her father Harlan Miller, her children Chris (Jana) Gray, Melissa (Karl) Hoppe, Sonny (Mel) Gray, her stepson Shawn (Lisa) Gould, her siblings Sandra (Jim) Cavaliere, Allison (Tom) Davis, and Scott Miller, her grandchildren Christopher Sean Jr. (Jessica) Gray, Drue Morris, Garrett Gray, and Lily Arnott, and Great Grandchildren Adelyn and Summer Wright, Bentley, and Indigo Gray, and several cousins. She’s preceded in death by her mother Jean Miller, her late husband Keith Gould, and granddaughter Barbra Jean Gray. A Celebration of life for Cheryl was held August 29th 2026 in Sunriver.

Cheryl Lee Helgerson

December 14, 1949 - July 5, 2026