Marie Bertha Cherms

Marie Newmarker Cherms passed away surrounded by her loving family on June 19, 2026, age of 96, at her home in Tulsa, OK. Born on January 19th, 1930, a day shared by her father and grandmother, in Warwick, R.I., to Philip Newmarker and Elsie (Otto) Newmarker. She was the youngest of three daughters. Marie married her childhood sweetheart, Frank L. Cherms, Jr., on June 14, 1952 at Lakewood Baptist Church in Warwick, R.I. the same church where they met at age two in Sunday school class. Marie graduated from the University of Rhode Island and married Frank one week later. She taught school while Frank continued with his education. Then Frank taught school while Marie completed her Master’s Degree at the University of New Hampshire. They raised their two children in Madison, WI from 1958 thru 1969 and them spent 47 wonderful years in Sonoma, CA. Mom was a fulltime housewife and mother who loved her family and many friends, enjoyed spending time in their lovely garden tending to many varieties of flowers, vegetables and fruit trees all the while enjoying the natural world around her. She was an avid bridge player who played at master player quality and was an ACBL member. She enjoyed her time playing bridge at Sonoma Vintage House duplicate bridge club and the many friends she made there. In the 1980’s she became a member of the Sonoma Valley Hospital board and helped to establish the skilled nursing facility. After Frank retired Marie became a travel agent for a time which came in handy as Marie and Frank were avid world travelers combining their love of bird watching, wildflowers and hiking with their travel adventures. They shared that love of travel with family and many friends. Marie is survived by her daughter Lois C. Arcoraci (Gary) of Sequim, WA, son Mark L. Cherms (Joyce Thornton) of Owasso OK; granddaughters Sara Jenks Mullnix (Zachary) of Poulsbo, WA, Rebecca Cherms Wilson (Scott) of Tulsa, OK and great grandsons Zephaniah Royal Mullnix and Zayden Frank Mullnix. Preceded in death by sisters Elinor Newmarker and Barbara Bernard. At Mom’s request, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the USO, American Heart Association or the Salvation Army or any organization of your choosing.

Marie Bertha Cherms

January 19, 1930 - June 19, 2026