Donna Marie Hatch Merrill

On Thursday September 11, 2014, our sweet mother, Donna Marie Hatch Merrill joined her Eternal Family and friends in the peace and perfection of heaven. She was born on Sept 29, 1928 to Samual J. Hatch and Ivie Sarah Teeples Hatch. Her dear "Mama" taught her to appreciate beautiful things, the ways of a proper lady; that you must work for what you want in life, service to others and most importantly the power of a strong testimony and trust in her father in Heaven. She was a beautiful woman and was crowned Uintah County Days of 47 Queen in 1947. She was so grateful for her pioneer heritage and was a proud member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. Whenever she saw an American flag blowing in the breeze she always expressed her love of America and appreciation for the men and boys of her generation that fought and gave their all for the freedoms she cherished. She grew up with a tight knit circle of friends that stayed in touch and loved each other through teenage trials, the adventures of going off to Utah Agricultural college together, meeting and marrying the man of their dreams, raising their children and sending them off into the world, and finally to calling themselves the "golden girls" as they met whenever they could at the Golden Corral to catchup and remember the good times. On June 16th, 1948 Donna married a tall, lanky, handsome fella named Frank Merrill, because he swept her off her feet as they danced at the old Imperial Hall. Their marriage was later solemnized on July 6, 1949 in the Manti, Utah temple. Frank taught Donna to love the beauty of nature and the joy of sacrificing for someone you love. Together they created the things they treasured most, "her little children". To these wonderful parents, Susan, Randy, Brent, Stephen and Nancy were blessed to be born. Together they built a beautiful home where every detail was achieved through their own personal labor. It was in this home at the kitchen table or in Dad's blue building that Donna learned how to make turquoise Indian jewelry, sewed countless hours making prom dresses, wedding gowns and suits for her boys. She was a wonderful cook and many neighbors have been blessed by her Heirloom recipe chicken and homemade noodles and scrumptious brownies. She was also taught the fine art of chocolate making by her sister-in-law, Elma. If you were on her "Christmas list", you probably miss those packages as much as we do. She developed a talent for oil painting and ceramics and loved each of her porcelain dolls like they were almost real. Mom was probably best known for her wedding catering business and the elegant wedding cakes she made. She worked to make sure the beautiful decorations she created were perfect and that every bride's day was special. Donna and Frank worked together in their yard to create a little bit of heaven where family and friends celebrated weddings, birthdays, roofing parties and just the joy of a beautiful summer day. Countless song birds and wild creatures raised their families and greeted her as she puttered in her gardens. For many years our backyard was filled with rows of Christmas trees they sold to give us a nice Christmas. Most people knew there was no need to go to the mountain, all the best trees were already marked with an orange tag, approved worth cutting by Mom, and in the Merrill's back yard, waiting to be taken home and decorated. She was a precious daughter of her Heavenly Father and served with diligence in her LDS ward and Stake positions. She treasured the early morning service she gave at the Vernal temple for so many years and loved the patrons she met and shared that bond with. She was preceded in death by her parents, devoted husband, Frank, infant son Stephen Lynn, Son, Brent Wayne, grandson, Michael Hadlock; Sisters, Tess Siddoway, Carol Smart, Infant sister, June Hatch, Brothers, Boyd, Eldred, Bert, and Sammy Hatch. And last but not least, lifelong friends, the Golden Girls. She is survived by her children, Susan (Darell) Hawkins, Randall J. Merrill, Nancy, ( Uipo) Saena. Beloved grandchildren, Quin (Rebecca) Merrill, Brindy (J.R. Bird), Amanda Hadlock, Heather (Eric) Whittaker, David Hadlock, and Hermana Jennifer Hadlock (Texas/Dallas Mission); Adored great grandchildren, Joey, Morgan, and Teagan Merrill. Jarom, Sharyse, Brianne, and Jackson Bird. For the last two years of Donna's life she was lovingly cared for by all the "cute little Hussies" at the Legacy Memory Care Village in Salt Lake. She (and we) cannot express our love and appreciation enough for the peace of mind and comfort the Legacy staff gave us knowing she was safe and loved when we could no longer give her the care she needed. Mom, our hearts ache with your absence, but we rejoice in your reunion and happiness with all those who have waited so long for you to return to their loving embrace. Save us a place! Her funeral will be held Saturday September 20, 11 a.m. at the Vernal 6th Ward Chapel, 850 West 100 No (across from the Jr. High). Viewings held Friday Sept 19 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Blackburn Vernal Mortuary and prior to services at the ward from 10:00 am to 10:30 am. She will be laid to rest in the Vernal Memorial Park, services have been entrusted to the care of Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.www.blackburnvernalmortuary.com