Arlys Salas

Arlys Salas, 83 passed away on Friday, September 20, 2013 with family at her side. She was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Frances Burdick; brothers Wayne, Dayle and Keyth Burdick; and daughter Linda Ostin. Arlys' family includes brother Merlyn Burdick; grand-daughter Heather Gooch and husband Jim Lowden; nephew Ronnie and his wife Vicky Burdick and numerous nieces and nephews. Arlys was born in Redwood Fall, Minnesota and loved living in that area. She moved to Utah with her family at the age of thirteen and to say the least, was not thrilled with the re-location. Her last move was to Pocatello at the age of sixty-three. After surviving lung cancer and receiving an offer to sell her house, it seemed like a good time to move closer to her daughter and family. Again, she wasn't excited about the move, so finding the perfect house was a necessity to her. She had to have a place with a view as well as a kitchen to accommodate friends who visited to be able to sit down and have a place to talk over a cup of coffee and for her family during holidays. When Arlys was a young girl, she was adventurous and loved exploring the woods where she grew up. Arlys enjoyed nature and going to her parents' cabin in Montana. She went camping and fishing and could identify many birds, trees, flowers and plants. She cared for and protected many animals over the years-both domestic and wild. She even had a pet worm. During the last ten years Arlys enjoyed watching birds and deer in her backyard from her kitchen. She also had hobbies that helped to keep her mind sharp. She read mystery books, did jigsaw and crossword puzzles, and rarely missed Jeopardy. Playing cards with family was also a favorite, especially Pinochle, and in between those games played countless Yahtzee games with her brother, Merlyn. Arlys maintained several lifelong friendships and continued to send cards or notes to keep in touch with them and their families. She cherished time spent with her own family and helped keep traditions at holiday time. Arlys set everything aside when you would visit and give you her full attention and would listen-even during Jeopardy. Aryls' life wasn't easy. She was the only daughter in the middle of four brothers and her family struggled financially in the early years. She just learned to do her own thing and all of the while her younger brother Merlyn admired and looked up to his big sister. This held true throughout their relationship and still does now. He saw courage, strength and adventure when he looked at his sister and that never went away, even after her physical abilities became diminished. She was a fighter and even during her last week, people were surprised at her resiliency. If it was possible, she could do it. Everyone who knew her, saw that determination and will-power, and those that didn't saw the petite and seemingly frail women on the outside. Arlys cared for each of her parents in their later years and was a devoted daughter, especially to her father. She absolutely adored him, and missed him every day after his passing. Her relationship with her mother grew closer over the years and she took care of her mother in her own home during her mother's last days. Her daughter Linda's untimely death two and a half years ago was heartbreaking for everyone, and of course was traumatic to lose her only child. Arlys continued to live her life, doing what she could, and making the most of her days, even with her health difficulties. Her family is grateful she was able to spend more time with them after that terrible shock. We hope that she is having a wonderful reunion with her family, friends and pets that passed before her and she can finally breathe again. We love you sister, grama, aunt and friend Aryls. There will be a visitation at 1:00 pm on Thursday, September 26, 2013 at Colonial Funeral Home in Pocatello, Idaho. A graveside service will begin at 2:00 pm at Mountain View Cemetery.