Obituary of Shari Ann Espey

Shari Ann Espey, 74, of Meridian, Idaho passed away on November 16, 2023, at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, after a fall and other complications.  

Shari was born on November 8th, 1949, in Rawlins Wyoming, to Bill and Laura Collier.  After graduating high school, Shari went on to attend the University of Wyoming, in Laramie. During her freshman year, she met and married Robert Bridenstein of LaBarge Wyoming, tragically just after 30 days of marriage, her husband drowned in a reservoir near Robert’s hometown. 

Six months later, Shari Ann Bridenstein met Richard William Espey of Cheyenne, Wyoming.  Richard was a airmen stationed at F.E. Warren AFB.  Richard and Shari were married on April 4th, 1970, in Salem Oregon. After Richard was discharged from the Air Force in December 1971, they relocated to Salem, Oregon. 

Richard and Shari went on to have two sons; Andrew and Benjamin. During these years, Shari was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Despite her diagnosis, Shari made a career working for the State of Oregon until her early retirement in 2008. 

When Richard retired in 2014, they moved to Meridian Idaho to be near their son Benjamin; his wife Laura and grandchildren; David and Alexis.  Shari loved her new home in Meridian and made it her own with many personal touches. Shari enjoyed her family here in Meridian, and of course her beloved dogs. Despite increased disabilities, Shari always had a great attitude and outlook on life. Shari enjoyed making friends, she was outgoing and easy to talk with. Shari enjoyed the simple things in life; flowers, birds, and of course shopping with her granddaughter Alexis and spending time with her grandson David.

Shari was preceded in Death by both parents, her brother Bill, her sister Lois, and her son Andrew.