Jill Gay Fisher

BURLEY – Jill Gay Fisher, a 78-year-old resident of Burley, passed away Wednesday, November 20, 2024, surrounded by loved ones and family after a hard-fought battle with dementia at Highland Estates Assisted Living in Burley.

Jill was born September 17, 1946, in Burley, Idaho, to Leonard and Alta (Fairchild) Johnson. She was the youngest of three children and baby sister to two older brothers. She grew up in a lovely home that was built by her father and had a great childhood that included many big family gatherings. She attended school locally and graduated from Burley High School in 1964.

After high school, she briefly attended beauty school before realizing it was not her passion. She then went to work at the dental office of Dr. Amos Paul Brown. She received on-the-job training to become a dental assistant and worked for Dr. Brown for many years. Her career path shifted to homemaker and mother after having kids, but later in life she went back to work for a short period of time as a dental assistant for Dr. Cynthia Unger.

Jill met her husband, Thomas “Bud” Fisher, after being introduced by her brother, Mike, and Bud’s sister, Sherry. Bud was drafted into the United States Army in 1969 during the Vietnam War and returned home to his love in 1971. The two were married November 16, 1971. A recent anniversary before her passing marked 53 years together.

Bud and Jill had four children between the years of 1973 and 1981; Daniel Brent, Kristy Ann, Suzie Michelle, and Jason Luke. Sadly, Jason went to heaven on the same day he was born. Jill was a wonderful and caring mother to all of her kids. She was also a great wife and amazing cook.

Jill had many interests and hobbies that included sewing, cross-stitching, knitting, and reading. She loved to garden and enjoyed maintaining her beautiful flower beds and tending to her roses. When everything was in bloom, it was quite the sight to see! Her absolute favorite pastime was camping with her family. It became an annual activity to pack up and spend time in the mountains. She enjoyed the views, fresh air, campfires, and putting her feet in the cool water.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Alta Johnson; brother, John T. “Jack” Jamison; son, Jason Fisher; father-in-law, Thomas R. Fisher; brothers-in-law, Stephen and James Fisher.

Jill is survived by her husband, Thomas “Bud” Fisher; children, Daniel Fisher, Kristy Fisher, and Suzie (Kurt) Celmer; grandson, Jeff Brethauer; brother, Michael (Sherry) Johnson; mother-in-law, Maxine Fisher; sister-in-law, Lois Fisher; brother-in-law, Mike Fisher; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

As a family, we are incredibly saddened by the loss of Jill. She had a light and energy to her that was hard to ignore, and her laughter was infectious.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, December 2, at Hope Community Church, located at 25 N Fourth St. E., in Paul, with Pastor Warren Rachele officiating.

The family would like to thank the staff at Highland Estates for the patience, care, and love they showed Jill for the last five years. We would also like to thank the nurses and staff of Hospice Visions for taking such great care of her this last year in the final stage of her illness.