Cheryl Ann Hanson, 53

Cheryl Ann Hanson, 53, of Coeur d’Alene, passed away on Nov. 26, 2019, at the Hospice of North Idaho Schneidmiller House, with her beloved son by her side. She was born in Wallace, Idaho, to Aleck and Doris (Larson) Hanson.

Cheryl grew up in Wallace and graduated from Wallace High School. She moved to Post Falls, and then to Coeur d’Alene, where she spent the second half of her life.

Cheryl lived to create. She loved to paint, sew, knit, crochet, dance and do anything else that would allow her to express her passion for art. There was no one who could rival her creativity or her ability to create something from nothing. She enjoyed being a member of the Blazen Divas of Coeur d’Alene, where she made lifelong friends, created outrageous outfits for herself and her teammates, and danced and performed to her heart’s content.

Cheryl had a strong calling to help and look after others. She cared about nothing more than her son, Cole, and in later years, her dog, Vinnie. Her love for them inspired her to be the best version of herself and to help others do the same. One of her proudest accomplishments was the record-breaking numbers of coats she collected over the years for the Coats 4 Kids drive of Spokane and Coeur d’Alene. Her legacy is her endless love and care that is unmatched in North Idaho.

Cheryl had countless friends who meant the world to her. Everyone was in for a good time and a laugh when she was around. No matter what the circumstances were, she put a smile on everyone’s face. She was always the life of the party and the one to brighten your day. It is unfair that someone who loved life so incredibly much had it taken away so early. But her spirit lives on in those she touched, and her memory will continue to make us smile every day. It will only be a short time until we get to see her smile again.

Cheryl is survived by her son, Cole Riggs of Coeur d’Alene; sister, Diana Sharp and brother-in-law, Ron Sharp of Pine Creek, Idaho; brother, David Hanson of Silverton, Idaho; sister, Vicki (Buck) Young of Orofino, Idaho; brother, Mike Shelley of Osburn, Idaho and sister, Carol Ogden of Everett, Wash.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Aleck and Doris Hanson and brother, Gary Shelley.

Cheryl’s final resting place will be at Nine Mile Cemetery, in Wallace. She always loved visitors.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.