CHERYL ELLEFSON

Cheryl Diane Ellefson, 78, of rural Aneta, ND, passed away peacefully on February 12th, 2026 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks.

Cheryl was born August 11th, 1947, to Merle and Syvilia Sutton. She attended country school and graduated from Cooperstown High School. Cheryl attended Interstate Business College in Fargo and after graduation she worked in Cooperstown at First State Bank. Cheryl married Elwood Ellefson October 9th, 1971 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Cooperstown. They built their home and life together on their beautiful farm, north of Cooperstown. Cheryl became a full-time homemaker and farm wife. She enjoyed helping Elwood with all aspects of the farm and ranch, especially operating the combine. Harvest was her favorite season. She made all holidays special for her family and friends with cooking, baking holiday favorites, and making ethic Norwegian foods.

She cherished spending time with her family, specifically spoiling her four grandchildren.

Cheryl also enjoyed flowers, gardening, and animals, especially cats and horses; with her favorite horse being a palomino mare named Misty. Her favorite pastimes included Bingo, classic cars and going to car shows, collecting Hallmark Christmas ornaments and Beanie Babies, and shopping for the best deals. She loved testing her luck on her favorite slot machine, the “Sizzling 7s” at the casino in Devils Lake.

During her lifetime she was a faithful and active member of the Ottawa Lutheran Church. She enjoyed Ladies Aid activities notably their Memorial Day Meatball Dinner.

June 2022, Cheryl moved into the Griggs County Care Center where she enjoyed all activities, coffee hour, and visits with friends and family.

Cheryl is survived by her loving husband, Elwood of rural Aneta, ND; daughters, Tammy (Michael) Littlefield of New Town, ND; and Chelsea (Andrew) Carignan of Grafton, ND. Grandchildren Daniel Littlefield, Rebecca Littlefield, Avery Carignan, and Carson Carignan.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Merle and Syvilia Sutton; in-law’s, Hamlin and Myrtle Ellefson; and infant sister, Arlys.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the congregation of Ottawa Lutheran Church, caring staff of Griggs County Care Center, and friends and family for their love and support before her passing.

Cheryl will be missed by many.

May our memories of her live on forever.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be given to:

Ottawa Lutheran Church Cemetery Association

c/o Sandy Chapman, 11252 10th St. NE, Cooperstown, ND 58425