Lola Merrill

Lola Jean Merrill

March 10, 1925 ~ December 16, 2020

Lola Jean Merrill passed away on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at the age of 95. She was born on March 10, 1925 in Redmond, Utah to Gladys and DeLloyd Christensen. Lola Jean was delivered at home by her future father-in-law, Dr. Leo Merrill. She enjoyed a wonderful childhood growing up with her beloved younger brother, Don, and a close group of five best friends. Some of her fondest memories were playing the clarinet in the band and performing in parades. She became acquainted with her future husband, Louis C. Merrill, during band practice in high school.

Lola Jean graduated as valedictorian of her class at North Sevier High School in May of 1943. Immediately following their high school graduation, Louis enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp and became a pilot, flying B-17s, while Lola Jean worked as a secretary. They were married on November 30, 1944 in the Salt Lake Temple.

After the war ended and Louis finished college, they moved to St. Louis, Missouri where Louis attended the Washington University School of Dentistry. Later, in 1958, they moved to California where Louis trained to become an oral surgeon.

Lola Jean resided in Fresno for 60 years before moving to Ogden, Utah in 2019. She was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many church callings over the years. Her favorite was working in the Fresno Temple. She enjoyed gardening, and the yard was always full of her beautiful flowers. She was an expert seamstress and quilter and her projects won many blue ribbons at the Fresno County Fair. Serving others was very important to her, and she especially loved the elderly women she visited. She faithfully kept a journal and a record of her family history.

Lola Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Louis. She is survived by her four children: Dale Merrill and his wife Diane of Fresno, CA; Shamm Kelly of Kentfield, CA; Paul Merrill and his wife Dee of Clovis, CA; and Jackie Leininger and her husband Greg of Ogden, UT. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Lora Dee Christensen of Las Vegas, NV; 14 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.

Family members would like to thank Legacy House of Ogden and Inspiration Hospice for their excellent and loving care.

A private graveside service will be held in Fresno, CA.

Arrangements entrusted to Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary.

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