Merlene lived a life devoted to loving and caring for her family. She met her future husband, Blair Hamilton, in the sixth grade at Central Elementary School. Their relationship blossomed into a marriage that spanned 74 years. The couple married on January 11, 1950, and began their life together by building their first home during their first year of marriage, soon welcoming a growing family.

Merlene was the consummate homemaker, known for her hard work, creativity, and dedication to her family. She was the loving mother of four daughters: Deanne Wallace, Kathleen Johnson Sims, Melanie Bowen, and Alyson Brook, who lovingly remember her as the perfect mother and a true angel to their father. Merlene created a warm and beautiful home, embodying patience, selflessness, and grace.

A skilled seamstress, Merlene spent more than 20 years designing and sewing fashionable clothing, often creating attire for her daughters until their marriages. She was an accomplished cook and candy maker, delighting family and friends with her culinary creations. She also enjoyed shopping, attending plays, knitting and loved decorating her home.

As a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Merlene served in many church callings, including Relief Society president, Young Women president, and Primary president. She and Blair also served together as temple workers for more than 20 years in the Provo and Payson Temples and as temple missionaries in Nauvoo, Illinois.

Merlene graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1949 and later attended L.D.S. Business College.

She is survived by her four daughters, 14 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by her sister, Jeanne Shell, of Centerville, Utah.

Merlene was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Blair, who passed away less than three weeks earlier, and by her parents, Thea and Robert Grotegut.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 8 at 11 am at the Spanish Fork 12th Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 310 East Center, Spanish fork, Utah. A viewing will be held at Walker Mortuary located at 187 South Main, Spanish Fork on Tuesday, January 7 from 6 pm – 7:30 pm and 9:45 am – 10:45 am prior to the services. Services will be lived streamed through Walker Mortuary. Interment will follow at Spanish Fork Cemetery.

Merlene’s legacy of love, service, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.