Cheryl Lee
Cheryl Lee, 71, New Town, passed away at her home on Sunday, July 6, 2025.
Cheryl Lee was born on May 27, 1954, in Watford City, to Orrin Levang and Carole (Brown). While in high school, she met the love of her life, Mark Lee. The couple was married on July 24, 1971, in New Town. Shortly thereafter, they began their family and were blessed with three beautiful children. Initially, they lived in Watford City for a brief period before moving to New Town and eventually settling in Sanish.
Cheryl worked at Northrop for many years, where she made numerous great friends. She also drove a school bus for the New Town School District and held various other positions in the community until they purchased JP’s Video and renamed it Main Video. Cheryl enjoyed being a business owner and opened a bakery at the back of the store, where she created beautiful wedding cakes, delicious bars, and a variety of other tasty treats.
Cheryl had a heart as big as her smile. Her door was always open, not just to family, but to anyone in need of a warm meal or a safe place to land. Some days, she joked that she didn’t know whether she was getting a new cat, dog, or one of her kids’ friends, but everyone was welcomed with love.
Cheryl and Mark hosted a foreign exchange student from Brazil, whom they considered another son. They, along with their three children, traveled to Brazil for Gus and Bia’s wedding. Cheryl also developed a special relationship with Jamie Moberg, whom she regarded as a daughter. Callie Fox, Simone Red Fox, and Lesley Larson also held a special place in Cheryl’s heart.
A genuine people person, Cheryl loved to visit, laugh, and share stories, always ready with a kind word and a listening ear. She was well-known in the community for her 21 years as a devoted school bus driver (bus #15), where she safely transported generations of children with a smile and steady hands. Perhaps she was most famous for her delicious baked goods; her cakes, banana bread, and Special K bars were beloved by all and never lasted long at gatherings. Always within reach was a Tab, her favorite soda, which became a signature part of who she was.
Cheryl was endlessly creative, with a passion for woodworking, gardening, and baking; there wasn’t much she couldn’t do. She channeled that same energy and love into her family, remaining deeply involved in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Cheryl also shared a lifelong, special bond with her sisters-in-law, Debbie and Stella. One of her greatest joys was spending time with them. This past 4th of July was particularly special, as she was able to visit with both. She and Stella spoke every day, faithfully watching “The Price Is Right” together during the week. Everyone knew not to call during that time, as those daily calls were sacred.
Cheryl will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by many for her devotion to family and friends, her generous heart, and her incredible baking skills.
Cheryl is survived by her children, Becki Lyson (Terry), Shanda Lee, and Josh Lee (Candice); grandchildren, Brooke, Shylene, and Hunter Lyson; Tre, Payton (Taylor), and Kiera (Tyler) White Owl; Chloe, Fierce, and Shooter Lee; and Zaysha Gartner; great-grandchildren, Jazlynn, Carter, and Grayson White Owl; brother, Dean Levang (Carolyn); mother, Carole Berwald; brothers-sisters-in-law, Gary Norby, Sharon and Calvin Brown, Aneda and Jack Fladeland, Sheri and Gary Danks, Tammy and Pem Hall, Alan and Debbie Lee, and Keith and Stella Lee.
Cheryl was preceded in death by her dad, Orrin Levang; stepdad, Loren Berwald; husband, Mark Lee; sister, Judy Norby; infant grandson Lee; and nephews, Daniel Baker, Cody Larson, and Lane Danks.
Visitation was held Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 2 - 4 p.m. at Langhans Funeral Home, Parshall with her Funeral on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 11 a.m., at Bethel Lutheran Church, New Town. Cheyrl was laid to rest at Riverview Cemetery, rural New Town
(Arrangements with Langhans Funeral Home, Parshall www.langhansfuneralhome.com)