Merle Taylor

Merle “Dode” Taylor

December 20, 1934 ~ March 22, 2016

Merle “Dode” Taylor passed away peacefully on March 22, 2016 at Aspen Assisted Living.  Merle Annette Nesseth was born on December 20, 1934 to Jens and Anna Nesseth at Bonetraill, Strahdahl Township in rural Williams County, North Dakota.  She acquired the name Dode at a young age from a brother and preferred that to her given name.  She was raised on a farm during her early years and attended a one-room school through seventh grade.  Her father passed away in May 1947 resulting in Dode having to move to Williston, North Dakota with her mother.  Here, Dode completed grade school, high school and graduated from Williston High School in 1952.  At the encouragement of her parents that their children obtain additional education, she gleefully earned her nursing degree in St. Paul, Minnesota.  With her mother, they traveled to Ogden, where Dode completed a nurse anesthetist degree from St. Benedict’s Nursing School.  Dode then worked as a nurse anesthetist in Ogden, the majority for Drs. Stagg and Frizz at the Dee Memorial Hospital, later McKay Dee.  During this time she was a Captain with the U.S. Air Force Reserve at Hill Field and a member of the Sons of Norway.  Dode enjoyed visiting her extended family, skiing, traveling to Norway, photography, making numerous float trips down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon, and having pet dogs.

She married Dr. Ivan C. Taylor on April 29, 1974 and later was solemnized in the Phoenix LDS Temple.  Dode and Ivan continued to work, then both retired in Ogden and the Phoenix, Arizona area spending time golfing and traveling.  While in Arizona, Dode developed a keen interest in turquoise characteristics used in jewelry from mining areas of the southwest.

In June 1999, Dode suffered a debilitating aneurism that left her partially paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair. She made her home at Aspen Care Center where she enjoyed many activities while making lifelong friendships with the staff. Bingo was her favorite as she would win several prizes that she proudly displayed in her drawer. When it came to basketball season, Dode would cheer on her favorite Spurs as their biggest fan and keep statistics in her notebook. Although limited in speech, you never left from a visit without a hug and a smile. Her infectious laugh will leave a lasting memory.

Dode is survived by her stepchildren, Annette Adams, James Taylor, Cathie Richardson, Ivan Taylor Jr., Barbara Taylor, and Julie Rainey; and 13 nephews and nieces.  Dode was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings, Leanerd, Clifford, Inez Artigue, Glenn, Alma (Marshall) Griffin, Junice Stegen, Jeanette Opsal; and stepson, Thomas Taylor; and great-great-grandson, Oliver Rose.

Special thanks to family members Robert and Junice Stegen for tirelessly taking care of Dode's every need while maintaining her personal effects. The family wants to recognize the staffs at Aspen Care Assisted and Inspiration Hospice for the wonderful care and thoughtful support provided to Dode. Especially hospice nurses Belinda and Janice.

Dode’s family will meet and greet friends and family on Saturday, April 2, 2016 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. followed by some personal remarks from family members at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington.  Interment, Bountiful City Cemetery, 2224 S. 200 W.