Sheryl Lynn Tolson, 62

Sheryl Tolson passed away peacefully from cancer in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, on April 22, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. 

She leaves behind her husband, Bill, of 21 years; her children, Kendall Costello, Thomas Connolly, and James Tolson; her sister, Lori Douglass; and her father, Gordon Douglass. 

Sheryl was born in San Francisco, and grew up in Orinda, California. After graduating from high school, she attended the University of California Davis and eventually graduated from Sacramento State with degrees in voice and business. 

Sheryl settled in Elk Grove, California, with her second husband Bill Tolson, where she taught elementary school for many years in the Elk Grove Unified School District. She loved singing and continued singing for various groups, including the popular Elk Grove Strauss Festival, Veteran’s and Memorial Day celebrations, and her local church choir. She was involved in the Chamber of Commerce, Old Town Merchants Association, and Rotary. 

In 2020, Sheryl and Bill bought property in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, where they retired in 2023. At their new home, Sheryl and Bill quickly made new friends. 

In retirement, she used her artistic talents for singing and crafting gifts for fellow church members, family, and friends. As a member of a choral group in Bonners Ferry, Sheryl was able to sing at Carnegie Hall in 2024. A month later she was stricken with a recurrence of cancer and lost her ability to sing. Her struggle with disease ended on April 22. When asked, Sheryl would often reply that, “I know God has a plan, I may not like it, but I trust Him.”

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Providence Bible Presbyterian Church. To leave a message or memory for the family go to bonnersferryfuneralhome.com. Bonners Ferry Funeral Home is caring for the family.