Saylor Jo Burch

Our sweet Saylor Jo Burch tiptoed her way into Heaven during the late-night hours of Saturday, May 30, 2026, surrounded by her courageous and loving parents.

Saylor has been fighting her way through this world from the very first moment. She and her beloved twin sister and protector, Scottie, arrived via the miracle of IVF on September 15, 2020. These tiny babies, with their heads full of dark hair, captured and healed the hearts of so many. The Burch twins could always be found side by side, looking adorable in their matching outfits, smiling and giggling the days away. Their bond has been something special from the very beginning, and only grew stronger as the years passed and Saylor faced many unexpected challenges.

At two years old, Saylor was diagnosed with autism and ADHD, and identified as nonverbal. She quickly began intensive weekly therapies, and with the love and support of her amazing parents and skilled therapy team at Bloom Center for Pediatric Therapy, she learned new skills and found joy in life. We are forever indebted to Saylor’s therapy team for the tender love and care they showed our girl. Bloom was one of her happy places.

Saylor was our sunshine girl. She had a way of spreading light and love to everyone she met. She loved a good laugh, especially when it was at the expense of someone’s epic fail on Youtube or a funny scene in one of her favorite movies. That deep belly laugh was contagious and one of our very favorite sounds. Saylor loved a good dance party, a yummy breakfast, and dressing up in her favorite outfit of the week, whether that was a princess dress, fancy leotard or colorful swimsuit. And no ensemble was complete without her black and white checkered Vans. She loved all things Disney- the shows, the princesses, the music, the rides, and especially the treats. Family trips to Disneyland will always be some of our happiest memories with her.

Saylor found joy and freedom in the water. Whether she was splashing in the bathtub, swimming in the family hot tub, or playing in the water at Bear Lake, she found a special kind of peace and contentment that was often hard to find on land. Saylor’s Make-a-Wish trip to Hawaii last year provided some of the happiest days for our water-loving girl.

Last April, Saylor was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumor called DIPG. Her little body and spirit endured so much, yet she continued to spread sunshine through it all, inspiring so many as she faced the unimaginable. We are so grateful for the care Saylor received from her pediatrician, Dr. Brian Fulks, and from each of her teams at home and at Primary Children’s Hospital, Huntsman Cancer Institute, and Heritage Home Health and Hospice.

Saylor is survived by her parents, Grady and Taigen Burch; twin sister, Scottie Mara; little sister Murphie Mae; grandparents Joni and Paul Short and Greg and Tammy Burch; and so many aunts, uncles and cousins who love her more than words can say. She was preceded in death by her Papa, Scott Hansen, who most certainly welcomed her to the other side with so much love. Our worst day was her best day.

We will be celebrating our sunshine girl at a viewing on Friday, June 5, from 6:00-8:00 pm. Funeral services will be Saturday, June 6, with a viewing from 9:30-10:30 am and funeral beginning at 11:00 am, followed by interment in Arimo, Idaho. All services will be held in Pocatello at the LDS church located at 1701 Bartz Dr. (east building).

Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting the Guestbook below.