Cheryl Shelton

Cheryl Lynn Moore Shelton was born on April 2, 1958 at the LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Carol Arlene Healey Moore and Allen Bangerter Moore. She passed away suddenly from a long-time illness on June 12, 2023.

She was the fifth of eight children. She grew up in the Granger/Hunter Utah area and attended several elementary schools, as  schools were being built quickly to accommodate the growing population. She attended the new John F. Kennedy Jr. High where she participated in cheerleading. She graduated from Kearns High School. Growing up she loved riding horses which became a life-long passion.  She dearly loved visiting her Grandma Healey who lived near the Utah capitol building. Her Grandma let her pick raspberries straight off the bush and eat a whole can of tuna by herself. She spoiled Cheryl, creating the example for Cheryl to spoil her grandchildren. She also had two close doggie friends, Raja, who she said "followed her home", and Pepper, a border collie mix. They were the first of hundreds of dogs in her life, as a breeder and rescuer.

Cheryl was working at the original KFC restaurant at 3900 South State Street in Salt Lake when she smiled at a handsome young coworker and completely captured his heart. He pursued her relentlessly until she agreed to go out with him. It was the start of a lifelong journey of love and adventure. On  January 16, 1976 she married D. W. (Bill) Shelton Jr. in Jackson, Wyoming. They remained madly in love for 47 years until her passing.

Cheryl and Bill welcomed their first child, Donald W. (Liam) III, in 1976  and in 1981, their second child, BreiAnne, at the same hospital.

Cheryl and Bill moved the family to Idaho Falls in 1988 and to Shelley in 1990. She was a doting grandma to her five grandchildren, Donald, Daelyin and Ethan by Liam, and Olyonna and Joe by BreiAnne. Cheryl loved her children, but was especially proud of her grandchildren. She continued to pass down her love for all living things and passion for nature, while teaching kindness, compassion, and strength. Family always came first for her.

Much of Cheryl's life was dedicated to caring for animals. She was a passionate animal advocate, rescuing and rehabilitating countless animals throughout her lifetime. She had a special interest in Icelandic Sheep Dogs, horses and chickens, but was equally dedicated to virtually all breeds and  species. To deny her unrelenting passion for the creatures of this earth would be to deny Cheryl's soul and dedication.

She was an outspoken advocate for the environment, animals, human rights, women's rights, racial equality, and fair treatment of all Americans. She enjoyed nature, hiking, biking, Me-Movers, horse riding, orchids, photography, kayaking, family activities, reading, gaming, sewing, animal rescue, and any outdoor activity.

Family tributes to Cheryl:

Carol, her mother - She was a very loving daughter. She was always bringing animals home.

Bill - She is the love of my life and the inspiration for all of my successes. She was smart and sassy. She will be in my heart forever.

Liam - Mom, I will remember your intellect, your tenacity for becoming a subject matter expert in your interests, and the endless love and help that you imparted to your family. I hope that I can model these traits for my family and make you proud.

BreiAnne - My mom is my best friend. We talked everyday in person or on the phone about anything, everything, and sometimes nothing. Mom held space for me to fully be myself with unconditional love and acceptance. We never missed an opportunity to say I love you.

Camille Olyonna - Although I'm lucky enough to have received a lot of my grandmother's traits, the one I will cherish the most is her heart. Since I was little, she taught me the compassion, love, and fire she had in her, and it will forever be a piece of her I carry with me.

Donald - Grandma lived in a way that we should all aspire to, always honest, wildly compassionate, and fiercely loyal to those she loved. She will always be deeply loved and missed.

Daelyin - I am so honored to have had such a strong female role model in my life. I was lucky enough to learn how to push through when life seems impossible. What a special woman you were. I love you more than words can describe and I will always hold a special place in my heart for you.

Ethan - I will remember my grandmother for her perseverance. If there was something that she wanted to do, she wouldn't stop until she accomplished it. I will always remember that.

Joe - My grandma was always caring and comforting. Her family always came first with her.

Cheryl is survived by her mother, Carol, of West Jordan, Utah; her devoted husband Bill, of Shelley, Idaho; her children, Liam and BreiAnne, both of Idaho Falls, Idaho; 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild; five of her brothers and one sister; numerous nieces and nephews, and in-law brothers and sisters.

She was preceded in death by her father Al, and one brother, Craig.

Cheryl's life will be celebrated at events in Idaho and Utah.

The Utah celebration will be on Saturday July 22, 2023, at Bridlewood Villas Clubhouse, 1898 West 9270 South, West Jordan, Utah, from  1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

The Idaho celebration will be held Friday July 28, 2023, at Freeman Park, Shelter 2, 1475 Latah Ave., Idaho Falls, Idaho, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.