Merlin Gifford

Merlin Alma Gifford, 83, of Ammon, passed away October 5, 2026, at Lily & Syringa Assisted Living Center.

Merlin was born November 20, 1942, in Santa Monica, California, to Alma M Gifford and Lola Freeman Gifford. He grew up and attended schools in Wapello, Idaho, and graduated from Blackfoot High School. He also attended Idaho State University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.

On February 10, 1961, he married Bobette Bowman in Blackfoot, Idaho. Merlin and Bobette made their home in Blackfoot. Merlin joined Price Waterhouse in Los Angeles out of college, eventually moving back to Idaho, becoming a successful Controller for several large potato farming operations. In time, he decided to own his own business and operated two automatic car washes, one with a convenience store in Pocatello, Idaho.

Merlin was an avid fly fisherman, tying his own flies and fishing on the Henrys Fork of the Snake River where Bobette and he enjoyed a cabin for many years. He and Bobette also enjoyed many years camping both locally and when being snowbirds in Nevada and Arizona. He raised his children to have the love of camping in the forest too.

Merlin is survived by his wife, Bobette Gifford of Ammon, ID; son, Robert (LaShea) Gifford of Knoxville, TN; daughter, Robin Gifford of Idaho Falls, ID; brother, Gerald (Emiko) Gifford of Salinas, CA; sister, Darlene (Victor) Wenczel of Ammon, ID; brother, Darwin (Julie) Gifford of Kuna, ID; sister, Carol Herbst of Firth, ID; 3 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Gary Gifford and Rick Gifford; and brother-in-law, Terry Herbst.

Private family services will be held.