Shyrl Lyn Freeman Bitsoi

Shyrl Lyn Freeman Bitsoi, 84, of Ririe, Idaho, peacefully passed away in the early morning hours of March 3, 2026, at an assisted living facility in Idaho Falls, Idaho. She leaves behind a legacy of laughter, service, faith, and fierce love for her family.

Shyrl was born on March 28, 1941, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Ralph and Donna Freeman. She was raised on a dry farm in Antelope Creek, where she learned early the value of hard work and helping others. She attended school in Ririe and made her mark even then — playing the clarinet in the marching band and proudly serving as drum major, a role that perfectly suited her lively spirit.

After high school, she continued her education at Excelsis Beauty College. She opened and maintained a hair salon in Ririe and was always available at any hour to give her children haircuts. She later worked at Deseret Industries and at the Idaho Falls Temple cafeteria for a combined 15 years. Anyone who tasted her pies, cinnamon rolls, cookies, rolls, or bread knew they were made with care — and usually with a little extra love. She was known as someone who never said no, who showed up when needed, and who always wore a smile that was often followed by her unmistakable giggle.

On April 29, 1960, Shyrl married the love of her life, Joseph Henry Bitsoi, in Ririe, Idaho. They were later sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on March 5, 1964. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and devotion, sharing 56 years of marriage. She delighted in being a mother and lovingly raised her six “hooligan knot-heads,” a title she wore with pride and affection.

Shyrl was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many callings, including Primary, Relief Society, Young Women, and as a church chorister. Of all her service, working as a nursery leader alongside her husband was closest to her heart. Generations of children knew her simply and fondly as “Grandma B,” a name that reflected the warmth she gave so freely.

Her hands were rarely still. She had a gift for making beautiful things — crocheting, knitting, quilting, needlepoint, cross-stitching, and crafting her famous handmade kitchen scrubbies. If you were part of her life, you likely have something she made, stitched, baked, or lovingly prepared.

Family was everything to Shyrl. She believed in gathering often and worked tirelessly to make it happen. She organized family get-togethers, kept traditions alive, and could be found in the stands at countless sporting events, cheering on her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with unmistakable enthusiasm.

Shyrl is survived by her siblings: Iris (Dave) Cook; Lyle (Evelyn) Freeman; OraLee (Art) Forbush; and by her children: Stan; Rod (Melanie); ArB (Curtis) Looslie; Val; and Karen Rigsbee (Mike Garner); along with 20 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Her posterity was her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Joe; her daughter, Ann; her daughter-in-law, Susan; her great-grandson, Kingsten; two of her sisters, Baby Freeman and Joy; and her stepmother, Naomi. We imagine a joyful reunion filled with hugs, laughter, and perhaps a fresh batch of cinnamon rolls.

We invite you to join us for a viewing at 12:30 p.m. and funeral services at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Ririe Stake Center, 14061 N. 130 E., Ririe, ID 83443. Interment to follow at the Ririe Shelton Cemetery in Ririe, Idaho.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.eckersellfuneralhome.com.