Shirlene Hoeger

Anna Shirlene Blanchard Hoeger, 85 of Rigby, Idaho, passed away Monday, September 10, 2018 at Madison Carriage Cove in Rexburg, Idaho.

Shirlene was born January 8, 1933 in Chester, Idaho to Delbert Alfonzo Blanchard and Anna Crystal Hansen. She was raised in Chester and attended schools in Chester and St. Anthony, graduating from St. Anthony High School.  During high school, she participated in several clubs and marching band. She enjoyed going to dances and was voted “Miss Chester”.  Shirlene had a love for music, she was a talented pianist and received a music scholarship to Brigham Young University.  On August 23, 1956, she married Henry Jack Andrew Hoeger in Idaho Falls, Idaho.  Their union was blessed with 6 children, daughters; Cherie, Shawna, Karen, Tammy, and Teresa, and a son; Jack.

Shirlene was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She enjoyed many hobbies; playing her piano, ice skating, and riding horses were among her favorites.  She even played the piano for a radio station.  When she played the piano, it was always soothing to the soul for her and for everyone who listened.  She had the gift to be able to play a song she just heard.  She played the piano at church, at school and on TV @ Channel 3.

She always kept a supply of ice cream and candy bars from Broulims Grocery Store on hand and will be fondly remembered for the traditions she started with her family, especially baking Christmas cookies. Shirleen appreciated the beauty of the outdoors, she enjoyed going for rides “up country” and hanging out at Fall River.  Shirlene always had something baked for us when we came home from school.

Shirlene had a very happy childhood growing up in Chester. Her father had a mercantile store where she loved to work.  She would drag the mail from the train to the store.  She loved working in the yard. She especially took pride in her roses and flowers.  Her little dog Chester was her pride and joy.  She had a passion for collecting plates and spoons from all over the country.

We want to thank our Angels’, the nurses, and staff at carriage cove. They became like a second family to us.  Mom we love you the most, will miss you but know that you are in the loving care of our Heavenly Father and Loved ones.  We have our own personal Angel in heaven.  Thanks goes out to Dr. Curtis in Rigby for all the love and support he has given Shirlene now and throughout the years.

She is survived by her daughters; Cherie (Beany) Fusano of Santa Rosa Valley, CA, Shawna Lee of Rigby, Idaho, Karen Ruggiero of Almont, MI, Tammy (John) Hevlow of Richland, WA, Teresa (Lino) Cambaliza, of Quartz Hill, CA, brother; Delmont Blanchard of Ashton, Idaho, 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband; Henry J.A. Hoeger, son; Jack Andrew Hoeger, sisters; Theron, Zelma, Maxine, and son-in-law, Kenny Lee.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 15, 2018, 11:00 a.m., at Eckersell Funeral Home, 101 West Main Street, Rigby. The family will receive friends prior to services from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. also at the funeral home.  Burial will be in the Chester Cemetery.  Services are under the care of Eckersell Funeral Home in Rigby.  Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.eckersellfuneralhome.com