Cheryl Lynn Blakely Moewes died after a long struggle with ovarian cancer at her home on August 3, 1998. Throughout her long struggle with this unrelenting disease, Cheryl’s dignity, courage, and will to live were an inspiration to everyone who was a part of her life. Her family is especially thankful for the care and support provided by the staff at the Roger Maris Cancer Clinic, the staff on 7th Floor Main Meritcare Hospital, Hospice of the Red River Valley, and the dedicated and caring group of friends who provided support for her.
Cheryl was born in Rock Springs, Wyoming on August 11, 1946, the daughter of Howard S. and Adeline (Asmussen) Blakely. She graduated from Rock Springs High School in 1964 and enrolled at the University of Wyoming in the fall of 1964, majoring in art. She married David S. Moewes on September 5, 1965. Cheryl received her Bachelor of Arts degree in art from Moorhead State University in 1987.
Art and painting were especially important to her throughout her life. She loved the interplay of colors associated with abstract expressionism. She worked hard to ensure that children had an opportunity to develop their artistic creativity and potential—teaching children’s art class at her own Studio 818, the Creative Arts Studio in Fargo, and the Moorhead School District. Cheryl developed the Art in the Park program for the city of Moorhead in 1983 and later designed children’s art classes for the Fargo Park district at Trollwood.
As a board member of the Lake Region Art Council, Cheryl was able to help individual artists and arts organizations enrich the lives of people living in Fargo-Moorhead and in the surrounding counties and communities. Cheryl was a member of the Fargo-Moorhead Watercolor society and was involved in writing grants to help fund the Society’s Annual Juried Watercolor Show. In recognition of her efforts on behalf of the arts in the community, Cheryl was a recipient of the YMCA’s 1997 Woman of the Year Award.
In the area of public service, Cheryl served as Chair of the Cancer Crusade in 1974 and was President of the Board of Directors of the American Cancer Society, Clay County, from 1973-75. Cheryl, in the early 80’s , through her church , was heavily involved with sponsorship of refugees and was the primary sponsor for over 10 refugee families. She served as president of the Edison School PTO in 1981 and served on the Long-Range Planning Committee for the Moorhead School District as well as the Superintendent’s Advisory Council.
She was a candidate for the Moorhead School Board in 1982 and for the Moorhead City Council in 1988, emphasizing in both campaigns quality of life issues and enhanced opportunities for artistic expression and learning for children and adults. She strived to increase public awareness of the importance of visual arts in our lives. Cheryl also served as a member of the Board for the Fargo-Moorhead Food Pantry.
Cheryl is survived by her husband, David, a daughter, Kim (Eric) Waagen, Fargo, ND, and two sons, Christopher R. Moewes of Eden Prairie, MN, and Sean David Moewes of Moorhead; a brother, Dale (Retha) Blakely of Rock Springs, Wyoming and two grandchildren, Skyler and Brett Waagen. Her mother (1967) and father (1998) preceded her in death.
Patricia Gentilini (Warrick)
Cheryl Lynn Blakely Moewes died after a long struggle with ovarian cancer at her home on August 3, 1998. Throughout her long struggle with this unrelenting disease, Cheryl’s dignity, courage, and will to live were an inspiration to everyone who was a part of her life. Her family is especially thankful for the care and support provided by the staff at the Roger Maris Cancer Clinic, the staff on 7th Floor Main Meritcare Hospital, Hospice of the Red River Valley, and the dedicated and caring group of friends who provided support for her.
Cheryl was born in Rock Springs, Wyoming on August 11, 1946, the daughter of Howard S. and Adeline (Asmussen) Blakely. She graduated from Rock Springs High School in 1964 and enrolled at the University of Wyoming in the fall of 1964, majoring in art. She married David S. Moewes on September 5, 1965. Cheryl received her Bachelor of Arts degree in art from Moorhead State University in 1987.
Art and painting were especially important to her throughout her life. She loved the interplay of colors associated with abstract expressionism. She worked hard to ensure that children had an opportunity to develop their artistic creativity and potential—teaching children’s art class at her own Studio 818, the Creative Arts Studio in Fargo, and the Moorhead School District. Cheryl developed the Art in the Park program for the city of Moorhead in 1983 and later designed children’s art classes for the Fargo Park district at Trollwood.
As a board member of the Lake Region Art Council, Cheryl was able to help individual artists and arts organizations enrich the lives of people living in Fargo-Moorhead and in the surrounding counties and communities. Cheryl was a member of the Fargo-Moorhead Watercolor society and was involved in writing grants to help fund the Society’s Annual Juried Watercolor Show. In recognition of her efforts on behalf of the arts in the community, Cheryl was a recipient of the YMCA’s 1997 Woman of the Year Award.
In the area of public service, Cheryl served as Chair of the Cancer Crusade in 1974 and was President of the Board of Directors of the American Cancer Society, Clay County, from 1973-75. Cheryl, in the early 80’s , through her church , was heavily involved with sponsorship of refugees and was the primary sponsor for over 10 refugee families. She served as president of the Edison School PTO in 1981 and served on the Long-Range Planning Committee for the Moorhead School District as well as the Superintendent’s Advisory Council.
She was a candidate for the Moorhead School Board in 1982 and for the Moorhead City Council in 1988, emphasizing in both campaigns quality of life issues and enhanced opportunities for artistic expression and learning for children and adults. She strived to increase public awareness of the importance of visual arts in our lives. Cheryl also served as a member of the Board for the Fargo-Moorhead Food Pantry.
Cheryl is survived by her husband, David, a daughter, Kim (Eric) Waagen, Fargo, ND, and two sons, Christopher R. Moewes of Eden Prairie, MN, and Sean David Moewes of Moorhead; a brother, Dale (Retha) Blakely of Rock Springs, Wyoming and two grandchildren, Skyler and Brett Waagen. Her mother (1967) and father (1998) preceded her in death.