Cherilyn Sorum, 65, Fargo, died peacefully Friday, November 25, 2011 at Sanford Health Systems, Fargo. A memorial service for Cherilyn will be at 1 p.m., Saturday, December 3, 2011 at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, with Rev. Lisa Lewton officiating. Inurnment will take place at the Medora Cemetery in the family plot following the service. Visitation will be from 8 a.m. to service time on Saturday at Ladbury Funeral Service.
Cherilyn Adele Fong was born on April 25, 1946 to Einar and Zella (Connell) Fong in Dickinson. She spent her childhood years in Belfield, eventually moving to Glendive, Mont., and graduating from Dawson County High in 1964. In November of 1964, Cherilyn was united in marriage to Arlen Sorum. Together, they raised two sons, Michael and Allen primarily in East Grand Forks, Minn., and Thief River Falls, Minn. Her many talents were evident by the variety of jobs she had over the years such as: realtor, clothing store owner, director of displaced homemakers, restaurant manager. These positions took her to many cities Minot, Bismarck, Las Vegas, Nev., eventually retiring in Fargo to be near family.
Cherilyn liked to sew, making numerous outfits for family members, and to read, especially Stephen King novels. Cherilyn was at her best with her granddaughter Erin. They enjoyed a very special relationship. Grandma Cherilyn loved reading with Erin and teaching her songs they could sing together. She also had started teaching Erin to play the piano.
Cherilyn is survived by two sons, Michael (Rosanna) of Fargo, and Allen of Fargo; sisters, Ruth Hickey, Great Falls, Mont., Janice Williams, Sydney, Mont., Greta Nelson, Bismarck; brother Terry (Dixie) Fong, Helena, Mont.; step-grandsons, Robert (Katy) Arasin, San Antonio, Texas, Justin Lawrence, Fargo; granddaughter, Erin Sorum, Fargo; and numerous nieces and nephews. Cherilyn was preceded in death by her parents Einar and Zella, brother Gene Fong, and sister Bonny Howard.
