Janice Merkley



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Janice Koye Stephenson Merkley, 81, of Idaho Falls, passed away peacefully December 18, 2015, at her home in Idaho Falls, Idaho, under the care of Alliance Home Health and Hospice.

She was born September 25, 1934, in Duchesne, Utah, to Glen Stephenson and Phyllis Shirts Stephenson. She attended school and graduated from Duchesne High school.

She married Hal D Merkley May 24, 1950, in Duchesne, Utah. They were later sealed in the Idaho Falls LDS on August 19, 1959. To this union were born six children: Teresa, Jill, Cynthia, Michael, Mark and Ryan. She was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker.

An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she faithfully served in the Relief Society and Primary organizations. She and Hal served a full time mission together at the Idaho Falls Temple Visitor Center. They spent twelve winters in Saint George, Utah, the first two years serving in the Saint George Temple. While there, Hal was called to be the President of the 27th Winter Branch.

Janice's life was devoted to serving and being a good friend to others. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was valiant in her testimony of Jesus Christ. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends whose lives she touched.

Survivors include her daughter, Teresa (Ron) Dumont, Irwin, ID; daughter, Jill (Michael) Murphy of Coeur d'Alene, ID; daughter Cynthia (Wade) Foster of Shelley, ID; son Michael Merkley of Idaho Falls, ID; son Mark (Pamela) Merkley of Idaho Falls, ID; son Ryan Merkley of Boise, ID; sister Carol Stephenson Casey of Duchesne, UT; 14 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Ronald Glen Stephenson, and a grandson, Shawn Edward Nielsen.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, December 28, 2015 at the Idaho Falls LDS Woodruff First Ward, 1660 - 12th Street, with Bishop David K Cazier officiating. The family will visit with friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue, and from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Monday at the church. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Idaho Falls Community Food Bank, 245 N. Placer Avenue, Idaho Falls, ID 83402.

Funeral Services will be held