Shirley Maria Gerard

Shirley Maria Sauer Gerard, 89, formerly of Lewisville passed away Monday, September 10, 2012 at Life Care in Idaho Falls. She was born August 24, 1923 in Lewisville to Bertha Taylor Sauer and Henry William Sauer. She was raised in Lewisville and attended schools in the area. On September 1, 1942, she and her long-time love, Willard Mack Gerard, were married by a Justice of the Peace in Idaho Falls. Willard left the very next day to serve in the army during World War II. Their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple on March 29, 1956. Shirley was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She served as President of the Primary and Mutual, Second Counselor of the Relief Society, and Stake Mutual In-Service and Camp Director. Shirley worked outside the home, served her church and with Willard raised their three children. She enjoyed her yard and garden, oil painting, bowling, playing pinochle, watching ball games, the outdoors and just visiting with family and friends. Shirley sold her home in Lewisville and moved to Idaho Falls in 2007. Shirley’s health and age compromised her independence requiring a move, one year ago, to an assisted living facility and just recently into a nursing home. Shirley’s lasting legacy is the enduring relationship with her grandchildren. She will always be remembered as a supportive wife, caring mother, and doting grandmother and great grandmother. Shirley is survived by her daughters, Linda (Gene) Butler of Idaho Falls, Penny (Ben) Ysursa of Boise, and son Kevin (Betty Ann) Gerard of Lewisville, six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Willard Mack Gerard; parents; brothers, Keith, Merle, and Doan Sauer; sister-in-law Mildred Sauer; son in-law Gene Butler; and an infant granddaughter. Shirley was also preceded in death by many loving relatives on her husband’s side of the family. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, September 14, at the Lewisville LDS Chapel with Bishop Farrell Steiner conducting. The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., prior to the services at the church. Burial will be at the Grant Cemetery under the care of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby.