Lilah Gladys Churness

Family graveside services will be held at Clearwater Cemetery near Clearbrook.

Lilah will be remembered for her warm smile, her devotion to family, her creative talents, and the joy she found in life's simple pleasures. Her family will forever cherish the memories she created and the lessons she shared. One of her favorite sayings was, "You live longer in Minnesota," a phrase that reflected both her sense of humor and her deep love for the place she called home.

Lilah was born on November 27, 1932, to Thomas and Hazel (Myhre) Nelson. She was baptized on June 18, 1933, in Starkweather, North Dakota, and was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church there on October 13, 1946. She spent her early years in Starkweather before moving with her family to Clearbrook, Minnesota, where she continued her education. Lilah attended school in both communities and graduated from Clearbrook High School in 1951. The friendships, values, and strong work ethic she developed during those years remained with her throughout her life and helped shape the devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and community member she became.

Raised in Starkweather before moving with her family to Clearbrook at a young age, Lilah built a life centered on family, faith, hard work, and community. She married the love of her life, Melvin Cherness, on April 5, 1952, in Bagley, Minnesota. Together, they shared more than 66 years of marriage and raised a large and loving family.

Over the years, Lilah lived briefly in Camden, New Jersey, and Chisholm, Minnesota. During her high school years, she worked in housekeeping at a local resort. Later, she served as an accountant for Churness Farm Services in Clearbrook, where she worked until her retirement in 1984.

Lilah had a vibrant spirit and a gift for bringing people together. She loved dancing, especially line dancing, and was known for her enthusiasm whenever music filled the room. She was a talented seamstress and crafter who spent countless hours creating beautiful quilts for family members, community fundraisers, and craft sales. Her handmade creations remain treasured reminders of her love, creativity, and generosity.

In her quieter moments, Lilah enjoyed playing Bingo, working on word searches, and putting together puzzles. Whether she was dancing with friends, sewing a quilt for someone she loved, or spending an afternoon with a favorite puzzle or word search book, she found joy in life's simple pleasures. Her warm heart, kind spirit, and ability to make others feel welcome will be remembered by all who knew her.

Lilah is survived by her children: Diane Langseth, David Churness, Darlene (Steve) Bergman, Debbie (Roger) Opdahl, Danny (Cheryl) Churness, and Donna (Mike) Gifford.

Lilah is also survived by her grandchildren: Jennifer (Dave) Person, Jill Langseth, Julie Fredrickson, Janelle (Jason) Winterberg; Troy (Michelle) Churness, Tara (Tony) Preston, Travis (Danielle) Churness, Brandon Bergman, Bridget (John) Dottonwhy, Ashley (Brandon) Nelson, Kelly (Sameer) Pai, Nicole (Matt) Schumacher, Eric, Leigh Ann and Autumn. Abby (fiancé – Jake Muenzenberger), Emma, and Sarah Gifford.

Lilah's legacy continues through her many great-grandchildren: Jade, Jordan, Hunter, Adriana, Amara, Ashlyn, Dillan, Tristan, Brianna, Tommy, Aiden, Alex, Ashten, Isabel, Fisher, Freya, Lilah, Annabelle, Elsie, John, Alena, Braxton, Senna, Cece, Liam, Allyson, Kaudrie, and Scout; and her great-great-grandchildren: Melody, Charlotte, Kynslee, Brooklyn, and Livvy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Melvin, on June 4, 2018; daughters-in-law Lori (Eck) Churness and Terry (Erickson) Churness; son-in-law Richie Langseth; and all of her siblings.

Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.