Marilyn Merrell

Marilyn Joan Wills Merrell died on January 19, 2013 at her home in Naples (Vernal), Utah. She was the first born to Alma Leonard and Carrie Pederson Wills on October 13, 1928 in Ogden, Utah. Marilyn grew up on the family homestead in the community of Hancock Cove, a few miles west of Roosevelt, Utah. She truly enjoyed the outdoors and helping on the farm. Marilyn was a Roosevelt High School Rough Rider. She also attended and graduated from Ogden Business College. Marilyns lifelong dream was fulfilled when she served a mission in Denmark for almost three years. On February 12, 1958, she went on a blind date with the fine young man, Dallas Merrell. He had the audacity to kiss her on their first date, which swept them both off their feet! They were married on June 16, 1958 in the Salt Lake Temple, just four months and four days after that first date. Their love and devotion for each other has been unending since. Dallas and Marilyn began to build their home in Naples, Utah which was filled with a cute girl and a bunch of rambunctious boys, hard work, love, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Marilyn surrounded their home with an abundance of gorgeous flowers and shrubbery. Marilyn loved and enjoyed her family. She instilled in her children the importance of hard work and righteous living. Home was a place of industry and high expectations. She continually expressed the pride she had in her family. She has said on numerous occasions, We were sure blessed with good kids and grandkids. Marilyn was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and has served in many various callings though the years. She continually served others, and shared the gospel and her faith with all around her. Together, Dallas and Marilyn served in the Washington, Tacoma Mission from 1994 to 1995. When the Vernal Temple was built, they were ordinance workers there for several years. Marilyn has left a legacy of faith, love, and patience in long suffering. She will surely be missed by those she leaves behind, which include; her husband Dallas Merrell, daughter Sally (Ray) Galloway, sons Vance Merrell, Roger (Lana) Merrell, Jason (Korene) Merrell, and Darin (Barbara) Merrell, 16 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, sisters Patricia (Kieth) Todd, Joyce (John) Eldredge, Peggy Lindsay, and Donna Foley Dodaro, brothers John (Edna) Wills, Matthew (Virginia) Foley, and brother in law Dee Erickson. She is preceded in death by her parents, and sisters Ruth Erickson, Norma Foley Gunn, Dorothy Foley Marchant and Virginia Foley. Marilyns family would like to thank all those who have lovingly cared for her over several years of illness, which include; Dr. Ace Madsen, Good Shepherd Home Health, her daughter Sally Galloway, and most particularly her husband Dallas. He has been ever by her side, tenderly giving unending, Christ-like love. His love for his wife is legendary. Thanks Dad. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the Naples LDS Ward chapel with viewings Monday evening from 6-8 at the Blackburn Mortuary and 1 hour prior to services. Burial was in the Vernal Memorial Park services Entrusted the care and direction of the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.