Sheril Bischoff

Sheril Foster Knight Bischoff was born on October 2, 1936, in Cedar City, Utah, and passed away peacefully in Orem, Utah, on October 25, 2026—reuniting with her mother on her mother’s birthday.

Sheril was the cherished daughter and only living child of Roma Jarvis and Frederick Clift Foster. Following her parents' early divorce, Roma married Newell Knight, who became a loving and devoted father to Sheril throughout her life.

Growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada, Sheril’s natural charm and talent shone early on. Throughout high school, she served as a co-host for three years on Wildcat Lair on the Air, a popular weekly teen radio show. Along with highlighting local high school events and happenings, she conducted memorable interviews with notable stars of the day, including Liberace, The Ames Brothers, and Rosemary Clooney.

After graduating from high school, Sheril attended Utah State University on a music scholarship. It was there that she met the love of her life, Garth Bischoff. Their story began one afternoon when Garth was walking down the hall and heard beautiful piano music coming from an assembly. He slipped into the room and sat near the back to listen. Right in the middle of her performance, Sheril suddenly stopped playing, pulled her knees up toward her chin, swung around to face the audience, and casually started chatting. Garth thought to himself, “Man, what a cool cat.” He learned later that she had simply forgotten her place in the music, so she smoothly filled the pause with conversation before picking right back up where she left off. That charming moment sparked the beginning of their courtship.

Garth and Sheril were married on August 23, 1955, in the Salt Lake Temple. Following their marriage, they moved to Newport, Rhode Island, where Garth graduated from Naval Officer Candidate School. They eventually settled in Southern California, where they raised their family, before enjoying their retirement years in Idaho.

Sheril and Garth were blessed with five children: Newell (Cheryl), Kyle (Susan), Anya Anthony (Vern), Vard (Jennifer), and Isa Jones (Matt). Her legacy continues through her 22 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

From a very young age, Sheril shared a deep love for music and grew into an accomplished pianist. After attending her first piano concert at just five years old, she was deeply moved by the experience and captured a lifelong dream of becoming a concert pianist. She went on to memorize masterworks by Chopin and Mozart, eventually achieving her dream with a standout recital while raising five children.

Sheril possessed an extraordinary gift for organization and developed remarkable leadership skills throughout her life. She approached every project, calling, and endeavor with clarity, vision, and total efficiency. Garth used to proudly brag that Sheril could have easily stepped in and run IBM.

To magnify her church callings, Sheril dedicated herself to learning the organ, taking lessons until she became an expert organist. Over the years, she blessed many congregations with her gift, playing for countless church services and frequently providing music for stake conferences. A visionary artist, she also authored and produced numerous Christmas programs—seamlessly weaving together the written word and inspiring music to create deeply spiritual experiences. Reflecting on her service, Sheril shared: "I would always want to learn what was needed to be able to fulfill any of my callings. I was blessed by the Spirit, and with the Lord’s help and my faith, I was able to do His will."

When computers were first introduced, Sheril embraced the new technology and quickly became remarkably proficient. She used her technical skills to advance her passion for family history, a cause deeply close to her heart. A central focus of Sheril’s genealogical work was honoring the legacy of her aunt, Helen Foster Snow. Serving alongside her husband as co-trustee of the Helen Foster Snow Literary Trust, Sheril first represented Helen in China in 1987 and went on to make more than a dozen trips to attend international symposiums and commemorative events. Through her dedication, Sheril authored and published two books documenting her aunt's remarkable life and work: Bridging: A Photo Essay on the Life of Helen Foster Snow and Transferring the Torch.

Sheril cherished bringing her family together. She made every holiday feel like a celebration, creating cherished traditions that her children and grandchildren will carry forever. Her annual Christmas parties were filled with warmth, laughter, and seasonal magic, while her lively Easter egg hunts brought joyous energy and sweet memories every spring. The Bischoff home was always a place where family gathered, felt loved, and belonged.

Sheril appreciated the little details that made life comfortable, from glassware that felt just right in her hands to a chair perfectly suited to her petite 4-foot-11 frame so her feet could rest comfortably on the floor. She knew exactly what she liked and surrounded herself with items that were both elegant and thoughtfully chosen. Possessing impeccable taste, St. John Knits was a favorite staple in her wardrobe, and fresh-squeezed orange juice was a cherished staple in her kitchen.

Sheril was preceded in death by her parents, Roma and Newell Knight and Frederick Clift Foster; her beloved husband, Garth; her sons, Newell and Kyle; daughter in law Cheryl Bischoff, her brother, Frederick Clift Foster, Jr.; and her grandson, Joshua Garth Bischoff.

Services are under the care and direction of Olpin Family Mortuary in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Condolences may be sent to the family at olpinmortuary.com.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 7:00 PM in the Olpin Family Mortuary chapel; 494 South 300 East, Pleasant Grove, Utah. Family and friends may attend a viewing before the service at the mortuary from 6:00 - 6:45 PM. Interment will be held on Friday, November 6th at 12:30 PM at the Wardboro, Idaho Cemetery.