Cheryl Shurtleff-Young Obituary

Our beloved Cheryl died at home in Boise in the early morning of September 4, 2015. She bravely fought a battle with the recurrence of breast cancer. Cheryl was born in Ontario, Oregon, April 1, 1947, to Cecil and Cathleen Shurtleff. She grew up on a fruit ranch north of Payette, Idaho, with a sister, Shawna, and a brother, Ron. She attended Payette schools and she and her brother Ron graduated from PHS together in 1966.
Cheryl earned a BFA and an MA in art education at Boise State University, and an MA in contemporary art history at the University of Oregon. She taught at Caldwell High School for several years before accepting a teaching position in the art department at Boise State University, where she taught for 36 years until retiring in 2013. It was also where she met her husband, Richard Young. She was a groundbreaker in the art department as one of the first women to achieve the rank of Professor. She was a hugely beloved teacher who provided an inspiration to countless students, especially women.
She was also a celebrated artist. The genius of Cheryl's art laid in its intense simplicity: beautifully rendered images, but disturbing and mysterious ones, made just with heavily worked pencil on paper. Her work is not pretty, but it is beautiful. One of her drawings was the centerpiece of an exhibit of Idaho art at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Most recently, an exhibit at Boise State, "Encounters", showed new drawings completed since her retirement. Her art is held in many public and private collections, including the Boise and Portland Art Museums.
Cheryl loved to be outside hiking, snow-shoeing, traveling and gardening. She was fascinated by the sentience of animals, especially her cats Bob and Birdy. She also had a collector's sensibility: Cheryl's and Richard's artwork, antiques and collections filled their home. She had a great sense of style and fashion, and she rocked great hair. She was a tiny person but large in spirit and spunk, and unforgettable.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Cathleen. She leaves behind husband, Richard; god-daughter, Madeline Marguerite Maze; father, Cecil; sister, Shawna and husband Gary Forsdick, their son, Craig and Sheri Forsdick, son Kyle and daughter Samantha; daughter Sheri and Bob Bamrick and sons Jake and Josh; brother Ron and wife Jo Ann Shurtleff, their daughters Sidni and Gary Mordhorst and daughter Haiden; Adrianne and Brandt Meckel, their son Jack and daughter Claire; Richard's mother, Jean Young and brother, David Young and his daughters, Catherine and Rachel; and many cousins, friends, and students.
There will be a private family grave side service in Payette and a Celebration of Cheryl's life at a memorial service at Boise State at a later time.

Published by Idaho Statesman on Sep. 9, 2015.
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Janette Hopper

September 22, 2017

My sweet once upon a time neighbor and long time friend... I will miss you always. You were fierce and delicate at the same time. My love to your family and especially Richard. I'll watch for drawings in the clouds... love, Carole

Carole Whiteleather

October 16, 2015

So sorry for your loss, Shawna. Your cousin, Leslie

Leslie Hope

October 6, 2015

I just found out about Cheryl from Wednesday's article that Richard wrote. My heart goes out to Richard. Cheryl just lit up a room when she walked in. I had my 2nd bout of breast cancer in 2004 and Cheryl was so supportive when I would see her. In fact, she was the one responsible for my getting a compression sleeve for my arm. I haven't seen her for about 9 years but I think of her often. I've had 2 more reoccurrances but am in remission again. I will always remember Cheryl's smile and bravery. She was truly a blessing in my life.

Cydney Polley

October 3, 2015

One of the best art teachers I had. I am not the most talented artist but she instilled in me a confidence in my ability transfer my ideas to paper. She was an amazing artist and I will forever appreciate that I got to learn from her.

Jodie Brown

September 25, 2015

A fabulous artist has passed. Her influence on young artists will not end. My warm regards to Richard and your family.

Robert kantor

September 23, 2015

Cheryl was an honored colleague here at Boise State University, and as a Professor myself I'd have to say that she epitomized what an excellent professor should strive to attain with their teaching, research and giving to the community of scholars, artists and people in general. She fought for basic human rights within the university; equality and parity for all people serving in their various capacities. She had a clear and distinct vision for how to make the university better, and did what was often behind the scenes work to help make the initiatives succeed.

I personally witnessed the Department and University change for the positive due to her diligence. She helped lead the Master of Fine Arts Degree program to a new level of excellence, which is one way that the overall university is evaluated on a national level. She helped mentor me as a new arrival fifteen years ago, and for that I will be forever grateful. Plus she was a very gifted artist who shared her passion with young students and helped inspire so many to pursue and follow their passions. Cheryl also helped add a very intellectual aspect to the field of art and inspired students to think and express themselves in a new way that expanded their usual idea of what humanity and art entails. Cheryl was that rare person who truly loved teaching and seeing people grow beyond their former selves. Thank you Cheryl, you have our heartfelt gratitude that all you gave over the decades.

Sincerely,
Larry McNeil, Professor
Boise State University Art Department

Larry McNeil

September 22, 2015

What an inspiration you were to me!!!
Thank you for being apart of my life!

Shelley Needles

September 18, 2015

Heartfelt condolences to Richard and all Cheryl's loved ones - family, friends, students & colleagues. And to you, dear Cheryl, thank you for igniting and fanning that artistic spark in your beloved niece and our treasured daughter-in-law, Adrianne Shurtleff-Meckel.

Janet Meckel

September 16, 2015

Richard, for myself and also for Tom, as he is no longer here to tell you himself, I wanted to extend deepest and heartfelt sympathy on the loss of Cheryl. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Kathleen Rockne

September 9, 2015

Cheryl was such a gifted artist and teacher, as well as a good friend. Her hard work, innovative technique and sensitivity to the deeper psychology of animal life made her one of a kind. Nora and I will miss her spirit and generosity.
Chris and Nora

September 9, 2015

Cheryl was truly a beautiful lady with lots to contribute to those around her. I was privileged to know Cheryl in church, high school and Job's Daughters. I will always remember her smiling face. My prayers are with the family during this difficult time but knowing that God is holding you in His arms and giving you comfort.

Karen Spaulding

September 9, 2015

Richard, so sad to hear about Cheryl. She was a wonderful person and I enjoyed knowing her at BSU. My prayers are with you.

Linda Urquidi

Linda Urquidi

September 9, 2015

Cheryl emanated a great, yet quietly intense spirit. She is deeply missed.

David Wilkins

September 8, 2015

Cheryl's beautifully intense life-force will be so greatly missed! -Arin.

Arin Lindstrom

September 8, 2015

I will always remember and be grateful to Cheryl for having given such a tremendous gift to my wife.

Jory Lindström

September 8, 2015

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