Sequim, WA - Cheryl "Cher" Lynn Beem was born on August 27, 1951, in La Grande, Oregon. She passed away on June 13, 2026, in Seattle, Washington, following a valiant three-year struggle with lymphoma.

Cher was the third child of Charles Theodore "Ted" Beem and Fern Guthery Beem. She joined two big sisters at home, Kathleen Ann Beem and Janet Louise Beem Proebstel, and was later blessed with another sister, Susan Kay Beem Beery.

Though Cher's childhood ambition to become a hairdresser was never fulfilled, she put her endless curiosity and her master's degree from the University of Oregon to incredible use. Throughout her life, she worked in many areas of education and care. At one time or another, she was a speech-language pathologist working with children, a career counselor, an English teacher in Japan, a student in Mexico, a teacher of basic skills in a medium-security prison, and a medical assistant.

Cher's endless creativity made the world a more interesting, beautiful place. She called herself a "happy hooker," as crochet was one of her special joys. She loved gardens, thrived when spending time in the dirt, and was absolute hell-on-wheels with a pair of pruning shears. Cher also loved to nurture people. She made endless pots of delicious soup from her own recipes, always sharing them generously with those she loved.

Friends were the center of Cher's world. She maintained deep, lifelong connections, including a friendship with Janelle Shorb Lowe that began in kindergarten. Her Sequim friends always found a warm welcome, a hot cup of tea, and wonderful conversation at her home. Throughout her illness, this community wrapped her in love, supporting her with visits, meals, rides to medical appointments, gifts of handmade pillows, fresh eggs with golden yolks, and even custom music composed by a friend specifically for her chemotherapy sessions.

Cher is survived by her special friend, Dennis Smith, whose invaluable care and companionship meant so much to her. She leaves behind three sisters, Kathleen, Janet, and Susan; her beloved nieces, Michelle Proebstel Olson, Melody Proebstel, and Lily Beery; and her nephews, Elliot Parker Proebstel and Noah Beery. She is also survived by her cousins, Shelley Walker, Fred Guthery, Marlene Greer, and John Beem.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for the wonderful care Cher received from Dr. Samantha Reiter, the staff at the OMC Cancer Care Center, and the University of Washington Medical Center.

Services:

A celebration of Cher's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on August 22, 2026, at the Sequim Garden Clubhouse, located in Pioneer Memorial Park. 387 East Washington Street Sequim, WA 98382

Interment will take place at the Summerville Cemetery in Summerville, Oregon, in May 2027.