Sheri'Le (Sorenson) Hancock

Sheri’le Sorenson Hancock, 45, of Iona, passed away at her home Saturday, July 14, 2012.

Sheri’le was born August 26, 1966, at the LDS Hospital in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Delbert “Deb” Sorenson and Kathy Fransen Sorenson. She spent her childhood and adolescence growing up in Iona. She attended Iona Elementary, Bonneville Jr. High, and graduated from Bonneville High School in 1984, where she was involved in cheerleading, Honeybees, and her favorites class, Health Occupations. After graduation, she moved to Pocatello to attend Idaho State University for one year. The following Fall, she transferred to Ricks College, where she met and married Keith Blackburn in 1988. To this marriage were born two children, Beau and Shae’le Blackburn. In May of 1996, Sheri’le married the love of her life, best friend, and confidant, Ward Hancock. Together, they had two beautiful children, Shelese and Braxton. As a family, they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Sheri’le was the most loyal wife and mother, whose greatest joy was spending time with her husband and children, especially in the great outdoors. She was a loving and caring mother to her children, and to Reese and Rhett, Ward’s children from a previous marriage. Sheri’le had a unique talent for making each child feel special, frequently telling each one, “You’re my favorite.” She loved talking to Shae’le for hours on the phone; spending time with Beau in Italy and Germany; teaching Shelese how to halter, walk, and ride her horse Sissy; time spent with Braxton included shopping, Kiwi Loco runs, huckleberry picking, and watching his favorite movies. She loved every precious moment spent with Reese and Rhett. One of the most exciting and wonderful experiences of her life was becoming a grandmother to Brae’le and Emmaline. Throughout her life, Sheri’le blessed the lives of others with her loving, caring, and kind demeanor – always willing to reach out a hand to help those in need. She had a remarkable sense of humor and quick wit, always looking at the positive side of things and making the best out of every situation. She loved unconditionally and lived her life without guile. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many positions. Her favorite was being the primary chorister. Sheri’le will be greatly missed by her children: Beau (Sierra) Blackburn of Bitburg, Germany, Shae’le (Andrew) Arslanian of St. George, UT, Reese Hancock and Rhett Hancock of Boise, ID, Shelese Hancock and Braxton Hancock of Iona, ID; two brothers and one sister, Redge (Tina) Sorenson, Rod (Kim) Sorenson, and Debbie (Rheim) Jones, all of Idaho Falls, ID; parents, Deb and Kathy Sorenson of Iona, ID; grandfather, Ford Sorenson of Iona, ID; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving sweetheart, Ward Lee Hancock; her grandparents, George and Ellis Fransen; and her grandmother, Verla Sorenson. Funeral Services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 20, 2012, at the Iona LDS Stake Center, (7555 North 55th East - the corner of Iona Road and Ririe Highway), with Bishop Byard Cox officiating. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 South Ammon Road, and from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. Friday at the church. Burial will be in the Iona Cemetery.

Funeral Services -- Friday

11:00 a.m. Friday, July 20, 2012 Iona LDS Stake Center 7555 North 55 East Idaho Falls, ID, Bonneville 83401 Notes: The family will visit with friends on Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Wood East Side (963 South Ammon Road) and 10-10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial in Iona Cemetery.