Shonnie Pauline Taylor

Shonnie Pauline Taylor was born March 8, 1978, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to loving parents, Dennis and Caroyln Taylor. With five siblings eager to greet her, Shonnie was never lacking love, laughter, and attention in her busy family.

Growing up, Shonnie learned to play the piano and excelled quickly in the talent. Listening to her play was a gift that could be heard in every place she called home throughout her life. She was an expert on everything Reba McIntire and had an infinite love for country music. She loved spending her time babysitting, playing and laughing with the kids she cared for. Her passion and love for animals started young as she dreamed up a career that involved helping and caring for all the creatures she could.

In 2001, Shonnie met the person that would forever alter the course of her life, her forever love, Lisa Hinton. Together, with their dogs, they built a beautiful life that soon after included a move to California. It was there, in 2009, that Shonnie gave birth to their son and light of their lives, Dylan Michael Taylor. After returning to Oregon a few years later, Shonnie and Lisa decided their family was not complete and began their journey as foster parents, specifically providing a safe and loving home for “at risk” teens.

In 2017, Shonnie moved with her family to Idaho Falls, Idaho. Having had a strong work ethic instilled at a young age, Shonnie dove headfirst into the world of professionals and entrepreneurs. She took pride in her work and excelled in every job she was assigned, making friends along the way with her humor and spirit.

On March 16, 2019, Shonnie and Lisa were married for life in Las Vegas, Nevada. Their wedding was exactly how they'd dreamt it, filled with loads of laughter, tears, and infinite love. Shonnie loved to spend her time camping, riding, and going on frequent trips to Disneyland and a trip to Hawaii with her family and loved ones. As Dylan grew older, he became involved in football with his #1 fans Shonnie and Lisa supporting him on the sidelines. You could always catch Shonnie pacing and nervous as she watched and cheered on her son at every game.

Anyone who knew and loved Shonnie knew that she had a heart three sizes bigger than the average person, and with it she served and loved all those around her. One of her many passions included adopting less fortunate families at Christmas, always opening her home up for a safe place to stay and a warm meal to eat. No child was ever turned away, she made sure they always felt welcome and safe. No one would argue that her biggest passion in life was her affinity for animals. They were drawn to her and she to them. Her dream was to live on a large piece of property where cows, horses, and dogs could live out their days in peace under her loving care. It wasn’t unusual for Shonnie to tell you to pull over because she saw a beautiful horse she just had to pet, or to welcome a newly adopted dog into her little pack.

Shonnie's love for her nieces and nephews was shown in the unique relationship she had with each of them. At birthday parties, it wasn’t unusual to witness her joining in as “one of the kids” and leaping into the foam pit before remembering how much of a struggle it was to climb out. On one of her many Disneyland trips, she proudly sported a fiery red Ariel wig, dressing up with all of her nieces and nephews for Halloween and skipping around collecting candy. Whatever the kids were doing she was always down, especially if it included a good laugh. She was so proud of each of them individually, and loved making memories with her family.

Shonnie is survived by her wife, Lisa; son, Dylan; daughter, Haizley; mother, Carolyn Taylor; brother, Kane (Britton) Taylor; brother, Kelly Taylor; brother, Abraham Taylor; sister, Kaylynn (Anthony) Matteson; brother, Byron (Billie Jean) Taylor; sister, Natalie (Cody) Madland; brother, Dennis (Stacey) Taylor II; sister, Brittney (Chris) Anderson; sister, Sierra (Scott) Bauer; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Dennis Taylor; and niece, Sedona Matteson.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 8, 2023, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, with a visitation with family beginning at 10:00 a.m. prior to the services. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery.

Shonnie’s life motto was "live and let live," so please come dressed as you feel comfortable and celebrate the life of this beautiful woman.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Idaho Falls Animal Shelter or local Humane Society in her name.