Merlin Elizabeth McPhie Merryweather, born April 9, 1917, to Martin McPhie and Doris De St. Jeor, in Superior WY passed away quickly on Tuesday December 25, 2012 on her way to open Christmas gifts with family members.   

Merlin spent her youth in Provo, UT where she met and later married Albert “Bert” Bullock Merryweather May 4, 1934.  The marriage was later solemnized in the St.George LDS Temple.   Merlin and Bert and their first four children moved to Milford UT in 1942 where Bert gained employment on the Union Pacific Railroad.  They remained in Milford for the remainder of their lives.  She was the mother of six children, 25 grandchildren, 87 great-grandchildren and 32 great -great grandchildren. She loved her family and spent her entire life in service to them.   When her daughter Joan and son-in–law Berdell Corbridge died in a plane crash, Merlin and Bert took their four children, Kevin, Jana, Mark, and Darin Corbridge to raise.  There was never a murmur from either and considered it a privilege to have these grandchildren in their home.  She was also a 25 year survivor of breast cancer as well as numerous bouts with skin cancers. Merlin was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-saints, where she worked most of her life in the Primary.  She was the chorister for more years than can be counted and knew every hymn.  She also served in the Primary Presidency and the Relief Society. She was a member of the Lady Fireman's and marched on the Lady Fireman Drill team.  She was also a long time member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and a member of the Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA) Sorority.  Merlin traveled all over the United States including Alaska and Hawaii.  She made several trips to New York, the first when she was 15 years old on the train.  She spoke often of that trip and what a wonderful time she had.  She also traveled to Europe, Mexico and Canada. For the last several years she has spent her time with her daughter Linda (John) Baldwin in Silver City, NM, which is where she was at the time of her death.  Merlin truly was an example of the scripture, "In as much as ye have done it unto the least of these, ye have done it unto me," Matt. 25:35-45. Merlin was always concerned for the needs of others and never wanted to be a burden.  She will be missed dearly by those who knew and loved her.

She is survived by two daughters, Zelda (Em) Emerson, Salt Lake City, UT. Linda (John) Baldwin, Silver City, NM; three sons, Karl (Elva) Merryweather,Heber, UT. Martin (Sharon) Merryweather,Orem, UT and Robert Lynn Merryweather Milford, UT; one nephew and five nieces.   She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, one daughter,  Joan Corbridge and son-in-law Berdell Corbridge; one granddaughter, Elaine Coon, and one great-grandson, Garret Trower;  two brothers, Jack McPhie and Willard McPhie; one sister, LaVern McRae; a nephew, Daniel McRae. 

Funeral services will be held in Milford at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints Chapel January 3rd at 11 am.  A viewing will be held Wed. January 2nd from 5-7 pm at the Southern Utah Mortuary and Thursday, January 3rd from 9:30-10:30am at the LDS Chapel. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to your favorite charity in Merlin's memory.  Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels “Trusted care for the one's you love” ~ 575-537-0777.  To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.