Sharon Call

Sharon Lee Swisher Call slipped from this mortal existence on February 7, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was born May 22, 1941 to Rachel DeLaMare and Edward Sylvester Swisher.

In Sharon’s words, “I grew up on Fredregill Road, in a log house surrounded by a white picket fence with people who loved me. In the summer my siblings and I lived in Ross Park, creating hundreds of Hollyhock dolls and in the winter, we went sleigh riding or ice skating.”

On December 7, 1963 she married Hal Glenn Call and they were sealed on June 3, 1964.

Sharon began her teaching career at Irving Jr. High where she spent 5 years teaching English. Sharon then had the opportunity to move to her beloved Pocatello High School. During her time at Pocatello High, she designed and implemented the AP English program. She also implemented the first dual enrollment English 101 and 110 classes. While at PHS she said, “for twenty years I have laughed, cried, cussed, sorrowed, cheered, screamed, shouted and played with my students.”

She spent 33 years in education. Sharon was the 1998-99 Pocatello High School teacher of the year, and then was chosen Teacher of the Year for District 25 in 1999-2000.

One of her passions was running marathons in the early 80’s. She ran in the “Salt Lake City for the Cure,” taking third place. She also ran in the Seattle Marathon, placing fourth in her division, and the Salt Lake City Classic Marathon.

With her kind heart, she and Hal were host families to many students from around the world. Two that she considered as her own sons are John Rouzitalab (Ozzy) and David Mashayekan.

In 1980 Sharon, her husband Hal and two of her children traveled to England, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. This began a lifelong love of travel for Hal and Sharon. They traveled seeing the sights in Greece, Egypt, Israel and Jordan. She walked the Great Wall of China with friends. While in Greece she ran in Olympia where the first Olympics were held. She was lucky enough to have placed her feet on 5 continents.

Sharon retired from teaching in 2001. Shortly after retiring from her position as English teacher and department chair at Pocatello High School, the couple received a mission call to the Fort Worth, Texas Mission. They had a glorious time with the young people at the LDS Institute of Religion.

In October 2006, Hal and Sharon accepted a mission call to the Ghana Accra Mission to the shock and amazement of their family and friends. She said it was an adventure to live in the bush with unreliable cell phone service, sporadic electricity, and few grocery stores in that part of the jungle. After returning to Pocatello, they expressed gratitude for this country and all of its blessings.

In November 2013, her husband Hal passed away unexpectedly. It had always been her and Hal’s ambition to serve in the London England LDS Temple. After a while, she decided to bring it to fruition. Several months later, she went by herself to serve in the London England LDS Temple. After her return, she spent her time remodeling her house and even re-landscaped her yard.

In 2018, she met Gene Crandall, and they married. After 1 ½ years of marriage, they decided to go to England and serve in the London England LDS Temple. In June 2023, they returned from their mission.

Sharon is survived by her current husband, Gene Crandall; her two living children Rick Call (Natalie) and Keva Walker (Rulon); five grandchildren, Kasey Call (Sarah), Jake Call, Kelsey Call, Elise Shaw (Marc), Jason Walker (Kali); and 5 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Jackie Byrd (Stan), Pat Stafford, and a brother, Tom Swisher.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rachel and Edward Swisher, and a son, Randall Lynn Call.

A viewing will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024 from 6-8 pm at Colonial Chapel, 2005 S. 4th Ave. Pocatello, Idaho. Services will be on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 11 am at the LDS Church, 2925 Michelle Street in Pocatello, with a viewing for one hour prior. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, 1520 S. 5th Ave. Pocatello, Idaho.

In Lieu of flowers Sharon and her family ask that you make a donation to Pocatello High School Education Foundation. Checks can be mailed to 325 North Arthur, Pocatello, Idaho 83204.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family under the tribute wall tab above.