Cheri Rae Bischoff

July 12, 1950 – March 19, 2025

Cheri Rae Bischoff, 74, passed away March 19, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah, with loved ones by her side.

Cheri was born July 12, 1950, at home to Andy and Lillian Gifford on her family’s homestead at Crystal Creek, the fourth of five children. Her mom tried to make a lady out of her, but she was a tomboy at heart and would rather be out with her brothers chasing horses or cattle.

She graduated from Lovell High School in 1969 and went on to college in Powell. 

Running around to rodeos with Jim and her brothers was a fun time, also helping with rodeo practices out at Crystal Creek. They were known for always having extra kids in the summers, and they were always up to something, testing out bucking stock or chasing cows. It was a special way to grow up that Cheri treasured.

Cheri married Jim Bischoff on September 4, 1970, and the two made their home in Lovell. To this union they brought three sons, Jeffrey James, Jack Andrew and Wade Eugene. They later divorced. Cheri worked for years as a nurse’s assistant, caring for many people. She also worked side by side at Valley Flowers with mother-in-law Helen. When she wasn’t working, she was on the mountain with Jim and the boys as he worked for his family ranch. The boys have many fond memories of summers at Cottonwood and the Moss Ranch with their parents and cousins.

She loved taking care of everyone, always looking out for someone. Cheri enjoyed all things outdoors, horses, flowers and her lawn.

 Cheri loved being a mom, grandma, aunt and sister. She had many nieces and nephews that she got to enjoy watching grow up. Niece Abbey Gifford said it best, “I know she really liked me!” She had a way of making them all feel this way. This was a gift she got from her mother, making everyone feel so special.

Cheri got to love and spoil two grandsons, Miles Jeffrey and Lane James. Nothing was off limits at Grandma Cheri’s house. For the past almost 14 years the boys had “Grandma Cheri Fridays,” when she picked them up from school and they hung out at her house for the afternoon where all kinds of shenanigans ensued. All three of them looked forward to it very much.

Later in life, after caring for him at the hospital, Cheri met Joe Pettey. The two formed a fast friendship and later married. They enjoyed spending time together on the Big Horns at his Paintrock Lodge. Joe learned quickly about her love for collecting all things and especially rocks. They enjoyed several years together, having lots of fun along the way. He lovingly referred to her as “Miss Cheri.”

She was preceded in death by her parents, Andy and Lillian Gifford, infant daughter Ame Gifford Bischoff, son Jeffrey James Bischoff, Jim Bischoff and brother Dick Gifford.

Cheri is survived by her husband, Joe, sons Jack Bischoff and Wade (Christy) Bischoff, grandsons Miles and Lane Bischoff, brothers Dennis Gifford and Max (Jay) Gifford, sister Eva (Carl) Hanson, aunt Mary Jane Watson and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Services will be held Friday, March 28, at 11 a.m. at the LDS Church, with visitation at 10 a.m. Interment will be in the Lovell Cemetery.