The Star - News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area

On Tuesday, January 31, 2017, Cheryl N. Chapman passed away peacefully while surrounded by loved ones at Coulee Medical Center in Grand Coulee, Washington. Her death marked the end of a courageous three-year battle with triple negative breast cancer. She was 56 years old.

Born in Coulee Dam, Washington, on February 3, 1960, Cheryl was the fourth child and third daughter of the late Irene and Kenneth Ehlers. She lived most of her life in the Grand Coulee area; her adolescent years spent on the family farm in Douglas County.

During her youth, Cheryl was an active member of the community. She was named Douglas County Wheat Queen in 1977, participated in 4H where she raised prize-winning ducks, and took part in the American Legion Auxiliary Girls' Evergreen State.

Cheryl served the Coulee community as a loan officer for the Coulee Dam Federal Credit Union for 30 years.

Above all, she was a loving mother to her two children, Stevee Chapman and Hunter Chapman, whom she shared with her former husband, Steve Chapman. As a mother, her children were always her first priority; in them she leaves behind her kindness, respect, and optimism... as well as some of her stubbornness.

Cheryl is survived by her children; her brother, Joe Ehlers; sisters: Diane Jaber and Debbie Mertens; and her long-time companion, Bob Mitchell.

A memorial service for Cheryl is being planned, and an announcement with specific information will appear here at a later time.

Triple negative breast cancer affects about 20 percent of breast cancer patients. It is a particularly aggressive subset, with a high recurrence rate and limited treatment options.

In lieu of flowers, her children have set up a memorial fund in which all money raised will be donated, in Cheryl's name, to an organization(s) that furthers the treatment and cure of triple negative breast cancer.

Donations can be made at the Coulee Dam Federal Credit Union. Those who would like to donate, but cannot do so in person, can mail their donation to:

Coulee Dam Federal Credit Union

ATTN: Cheryl Chapman TNBC Memorial Fund

402 N. Columbia Ave. 

Coulee Dam, WA 99116

Checks must be made payable to Stephanee Chapman.

Those who choose to donate are asked to include a note with their name, email, and/or mailing address; the family would like to send thank you notes and an update on where your donation went, and how it will be used.

Cheryl remained courageous and beautiful through her disease. The poise and strength she demonstrated through her life, sickness, and death will stay with her children for the rest of their lives; they will miss and love her forever.