Merle Ricks

Merle Kay Ricks

LAYTON, Merle Kay Ricks, age 55 passed away on December 2, 2015.  He was born August 24, 1960 in Rexburg, Idaho to Mark George Ricks and Evelyn Tonks.

He married Alysia Jane Smith, December 17, 1982 in the Idaho Falls Temple.  They are the parents of five children; Barry Lynn (Katrina) Ricks, Aaron Mark Ricks, Tanya Marie Ricks, Michelle (Joshua) Reid, and Kirsten (Andrew) Yearsley.

Merle attended and graduated in Mechanical Engineering  from Utah State University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Nashville, TN and later served in various callings including Scoutmaster and Bishop.  Merle loved the Lord and serving him.  He was a man of honor and loved serving the youth and always wanted to see them succeed.  He was a hard worker and his motto was to “sprint to the finish.”

He loved hunting and fishing.  His favorite times were spent in the outdoors with his family and playing with his grandsons.  Merle loved traveling the world. He visited over 40 countries.

Merle is preceded in death by his mother and brother Gary.

He is survived by his wife Alysia, his children, seven grandsons, and his father.  Brothers Michael (Derena) Ricks, Alan (Samantha) Ricks, Glen (Valarie) Ricks, Grant (Camille) Ricks, Doug (Melissa) Ricks; Sisters Adele (Rocky) Nielsen, Kathie (Kermit) Tensmyer.

Funeral services will be held Monday, December 7, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Oak Forest First Ward, 2250 N. 2200 E. Layton.  Friends may visit family Sunday from 5 to 8 at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Rd. and Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Rd, South Ogden.