Sherrel Rae Evans Burgoyne passed away peacefully from complications due to Rheumatoid Arthritis, on June 20, 2017 in Pocatello, Idaho, with her family by her side. Sherrel was born in Liberty, Idaho on March 23, 1935 to Roscoe Eschler Evans and Lucille Hymas Evans. She was joined by a younger sister, DeAnn and a younger brother Mont. She spent her childhood in Raymond, Idaho where she loved riding horses and helping on the farm. During her high school years, the family moved to Montpelier, Idaho where she graduated from Montpelier High School in 1953. She attended Utah State University for one year and later returned in 1992.

She met Joseph Richard Burgoyne on a blind date and their courtship lasted over a year. They were married in the Logan, Utah Temple on January 31, 1955. Sherrel and Richard raised five children; Lisa, Rich, Chris, Vince and Andrea. Richard passed away unexpectedly in November 1991.

Sherrel was an accomplished pianist and patiently taught many children and adults to play the piano during her life. She was a gifted and creative writer, writing in every form including poems, stories, essays, skits, lyrics, radio ads and an occasional English assignment for her children and grandchildren. Unknown to many, she sometimes wrote under the pseudonym of Jesse Goodman. She contributed to many road shows and plays including the Montpelier Stake’s presentation of “On the Bethlehem Road”. She published a collection of her own original poems, “The Original Bear-Laker”, in 2007. She had a passion for literature and enjoyed discussing and sharing the work of her favorite authors.

Sherrel enjoyed studying local history and was a Docent at the Rails and Trails Museum in Montpelier for many years. She served as the President of the Bear Lake Historical Society. She was elected and served on the Montpelier City Council for many years.

Sherrel and Richard owned E.L. Burgoyne & Sons in Montpelier until 1979. She always added an artistic touch to the store’s window displays. A family favorite was the Christmas window displays she created which were the best in town. She worked as a Pharmaceutical Tech at Modern Drug for many years.

Sherrel was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She served in several callings, but her favorite title was teacher. She was a teacher in the Primary, SundaySchool, Relief Society, and Gospel Doctrine, always adding her humorous touch to the lessons. She particularly loved being the Cultural Refinement teacher in the Relief Society along with being a Valiant B teacher, affectionately referring to them as the “Violent B’s”.

Sherrel was one of a kind. She was funny, opinionated, intelligent, insightful and creative. She desired to live as long as possible, focusing on her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Family was the center of her life. She was a fully dedicated mother and grandmother, always supporting her family.

She is survived by her five children; Lisa (Mike) Neeley, Rich (Tanya) Burgoyne, Chris (Ilynn) Burgoyne, Vince Burgoyne, Andrea (James) Nye, brother Mont (Cher) Evans, 24 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard, her sister DeAnn and her parents.

Funeral services will be held Friday, June 30th in the Montpelier Second Ward located at 585 N. 8th Street, at 12:00PM. A viewing will be held prior to the funeral beginning at 10:00AM.