Sheryl Sue Bell, 76, of Homedale and Nampa, Idaho, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Friday, August 29, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Burley, Idaho, on October 16, 1948, to Deward and Leah Bell, Sheryl was the oldest of four girls. She spent her early years in Paul before moving to Homedale at age seven, where she grew up in a small-town community that she loved. A natural leader and friend to all, Sheryl excelled in school and was deeply involved in activities: drill team, cheerleading, German Club, National Honor Society, yearbook editor, pep club president, homecoming court, and more. She was voted "All Around" her senior year, reflecting the respect and affection of her classmates. She loved her summers working as a lifeguard at Banbury Hotsprings, working as a car-hop at the local drive-in theater, and working for local farmers detasseling corn and thinning and harvesting fruit. Sheryl had a gift for championing the underdog—always seeking out those who needed a friend and standing up for them, a quality that remained a defining part of her character throughout her life.

Upon graduating from Homedale High School in 1967, Sheryl attended Boise State's dental assistant program. After completing the program, Sheryl realized her talents lay elsewhere, and she went on to build a remarkable career in information technology and data management, working at First Interstate Bank, Boise Cascade, and ultimately retiring as Director of IT at St. Luke's Hospital.

In the late 1960s, Sheryl embraced the era's free spirit, traveling with local musicians and proudly calling herself a hippie—a spark of joy and independence that never left her. Despite being told she would never have children, she was blessed with her greatest miracle: the birth of her daughter, Jenny. Sheryl thrived as a mother, pouring her love, energy, and creativity into Jenny's upbringing while balancing single parenthood, her career, and homeownership in Boise.

Her home was a safe haven, not only for Jenny but for her friends, extended family, and church groups. Sheryl had a gift for creating meaningful activities and celebrations: family parties, Friday night get-togethers, youth gatherings, holiday events, and spontaneous adventures that brought people together. Her open-door policy made her home a place of warmth, fun, and belonging, and it was through this welcoming spirit that Jenny met her future husband, Jared.

When Jenny and Jared married and settled in Homedale, Sheryl moved back to her hometown as well, happy to be near her parents, sisters, and, most of all, her beloved grandchildren, Maci and Owen. She treasured every moment of being a grandmother—hosting sleepovers, planning adventures, and sharing in their interests with endless enthusiasm. Family trips to the Oregon Coast, the Cascade cabin, Disneyland, and a once-in-a-lifetime road trip to Alaska with her daughter and parents were among her greatest joys.

After retiring in 2009, Sheryl poured her creativity into new ventures—crafts, jewelry-making, ceramics, beadwork, and small businesses creating memory videos and selling jewelry and purses. She was also an avid card player, participating in leagues as well as family games that often became legendary for their laughter and competitiveness. In 2013, her health declined significantly, but with courage and resilience, she adjusted to new challenges. She moved in with Jenny and Jared in Nampa, where she spent her final 12 years surrounded by family, love, and support.

Though her health struggles were great, her joy in family life, crafting, mentoring, card playing, and building friendships never wavered. She left an indelible mark on her caregivers, her community, and the many friends and loved ones who drew strength from her generosity, humor, and unwavering spirit. Sheryl was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and enjoyed serving in many capacities including Relief Society President, Primary President, Young Women's President and Girls Camp Leader.

Sheryl is survived by her daughter Jenny (Jared) Mattravers; grandchildren Maci and Owen; her sisters JoAnn Morris, Patti (Stan) Zatica, and Pam (Joe) Favinger; her aunt Lila Bell; Lynn Taggart, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Deward and Leah Bell; her brother-in-law Tom Morris; her niece Jeness Morris; and many beloved extended family members.

Sheryl will be remembered for her generosity, her fierce loyalty to those she loved, her free spirit, her devotion to her family, and her extraordinary gift for making everyone she encountered feel valued and seen.

Friends are welcome to join the family for a celebration of Sheryl's life on Friday, September 19th, 2025, at 10:30am at the Marsing-Homedale Cemetery, and a luncheon immediately following at the Txoko Ona Basque Center in Homedale.

The family would like to thank the many wonderful care-givers and health care workers who provided ongoing support and resources for Sheryl throughout her health challenges, especially Kim Green (Sheryl's long time daily care-giver and dear friend), Averille Sevy, Canyon Home Health, and the incredible team at St. Luke's Health System.