Sherry Rae Stephens

April 22, 1944 — February 15, 2025

Pocatello

Sherry Rae Laker Stephens, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2025, in Pocatello, Idaho. She was born on April 22, 1944, in Pocatello to Grant and Ruby Curtis Laker.

Born during World War II, Sherry's early years were marked by her father’s service in the Army Air Corps. Her mother, Ruby, chose to accompany her husband during his training and assignments, bringing young Sherry along. After the war, the family lived with Sherry’s great-aunt Ruby before moving to their own residences on Willard Street and later Davis Drive. Aunt Ruby was a big part of Sherry’s growing up and she helped raise her as a young girl. When Sherry was around ten years old, her younger brother, Dar, was born. As his older sister Sherry helped care for him.

One of the great joys of Sherry’s childhood was visiting her grandparents in St. Charles, Idaho. She loved her time there, forming a deep and special bond with her grandmother. These experiences nurtured her lifelong desire to have an eternal family, a principle that became central to her faith and the way she lived her life.

Sherry attended Pocatello High School, where she was an active and accomplished student. As a senior, she participated in the Miss Pocatello pageant. She graduated with the class of 1962.

She met Wally Stephens at an ISU Campus Day dance. Wally asked her to dance, but a minute in, she rushed away, realizing she needed to return the family car on time. Fortunately, a mutual friend reintroduced them, leading to a courtship that culminated in their marriage on May 24, 1963.

Early in their marriage, Sherry and Wally worked on a farm, where she developed a deep affection for horses—a passion reflected in her home décor and her habit of stopping to admire horses whenever possible. In 1966, Wally bought Bimbo’s Pizza, which they operated until 1972. Both she and Wally made many friends while they owned and operated Bimbos qand have fond memories of their time there.

In 1968, their daughter Tracy was born, prompting a spiritual turning point for the family. Around 1971, Sherry, who had been baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at age nine, suggested they begin attending services. After two years, Wally joined the Church in 1973, and their faith remained central to their lives. They later served a mission in Roseville, California, assisting missionaries with furnishing apartments and setting up communications. They also dedicated time serving at the Idaho Falls Temple together.

Sherry and Wally settled into their home on Apache in 1976, and their son, Scott, was born in 1978. As her children grew, Sherry resumed working, beginning as a reading aide at Indian Hills Elementary in 1984. She went on to build a fulfilling career as a paraprofessional with School District 25, primarily working with students with learning disabilities. Later, she worked closely with visually impaired students, helping guide several through to graduation. She retired in 2009 after a lifetime of dedication to education.

Sherry had a special bond with her cousin Lauralee, who was more like a sister to her. The two shared a love for adventure and frequently took girl getaways together. Their excursions included horseback riding—where Sherry was famously bucked off at a dude ranch owned by Wally’s college roommate—hot air ballooning, white water rafting, and trips to California. These adventures were among the many experiences that brought her great joy and deepened her lifelong friendship with Lauralee.

After both she and Wally retired, Sherry became Wally’s faithful fishing companion. Wally was a dedicated fisherman, and Sherry, ever devoted, took on the role of a fisherman’s wife. They spent many quiet evenings and weekends fishing the South Fork of the Snake River and Daniels Reservoir. Whether on the shores of a quiet lake or alongside a rushing river, she was there, enjoying the peaceful moments together.

Family was the cornerstone of Sherry’s life. She cherished time with her six grandchildren: Justin and Ashley Rivera; Charlie, John, George, and Claire Stephens. Four of her grandchildren reside in Pocatello, one in Boise (Ashley), and one in Idaho Falls. Sherry loved family gatherings, celebrating birthdays, and simply being with those she loved most.

In her later years, Sherry faced her battle with multiple myeloma with grace and resilience. Throughout her illness, Wally devotedly took on many household responsibilities, ensuring her comfort and well-being. Sherry found solace in reading and working on word puzzles, embracing the simple joys of life.

She is survived by her husband, Wally Stephens; daughter, Tracy Rivera, and her husband, James; son, Scott Stephens, and his wife, Crystal Hazlett; brother, Dar Laker; cousin and dear friend, Lauralee; and her cherished grandchildren: Justin Rivera, Ashley Rivera, Charlie Stephens, John Stephens, George Stephens, and Claire Stephens.

Her kindness, love, and unwavering devotion to her family and faith will be deeply missed.

We love her and will miss her dearly.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5424 S. Bannock Highway, Pocatello, Idaho. Viewings will be from 6:00 - 8:00 pm on Friday, February 21, 2025 at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W Chubbuck Road, Chubbuck, ID and at 10:00 am on Saturday at the church.

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