Cheryl Rae Orr peacefully left us on July 24th, surrounded by a houseful of family that loved her. She was born on August 15, 1953 to Howard James and Barbara Henriksen, in Eureka.

Cheryl spent most of her childhood with her grandmother Ruth James in Santa Rosa, where she graduated from Piner High in 1971, and married her high school sweetheart, Pat Rose. They had two children together: Stacey Kiilerich, of Rohnert Park and Ryan Rose, of San Diego.

On New Years Eve 1995, she married Jim Orr, whom she called her soul mate. She embraced a whole new family, and set about creating a lot of great memories. In 2000, they retired to Eureka, where she lived for the next 19 years.

Cheryl loved a good party, and as hostess, or guest, she always lit up the room and made sure that everyone was enjoying themselves. She felt she was blessed in having a loving family, and so many close friends.

Cheryl loved nature. Lightning, thunder, wind, rain, rivers, trees and her favorite, the ocean. She loved walks on the beach and made sure to try and pass along her enthusiasm to her grandchildren and any passing stranger.

We know that we were lucky to have her in our lives, and will always miss her. Cheryl was preceded in death by her father, mother, and grandmother, as well as her sister, Joan Syvertsen and her stepson Robert Orr. Cheryl is survived by her husband Jim Orr, daughter Stacey Kiilerich (Jerry), and son Ryan Rose. Stepchildren: Margie McLean (Ryan), Dodie Bowser (Kenny), Jimmy Orr and Iris Orr. Sisters and brothers: Vicki Crooker (Tom), Diane Viale (Cliff), Tom Corder (Myrna), Peri Cabral (Jack), David Startare (Tamara) and Alan Burger. And grandchildren: Joseph, Evan, Nate, Luke, MaKayla, Alexis, and Rosio.

A celebration of life memorial will be held in Rohnert Park at Sally Tomatoes on Saturday, September 28th from 12-4 p.m.

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The obituary above was submitted by Cheryl’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.