30 Mar 1929 – 9 Jul 2005
Wife of David Kenneth Merrill
After a protracted illness, LaWana Jensen Merrill passed through the portal July 9, 2005 with the grace and courage that characterized her life.
LaWana was born March 30, 1929 in Preston, Idaho to Charles ‘Chuck’ Jensen and Mena Mockli. In 1948 La-Wana married David Kenneth Merrill of Preston, Idaho with whom she traveled life’s winding road for the next 56 years.
In the 50s and the 60s she assumed the challenges of an Air Force wife and mother of three new sons. Wherever she made her home, from Texas to Utah to Arizona to Hawaii to Alabama, she made many valued friends and embraced the diverse cultures that she encountered.
During the years of marriage, motherhood and service, she found time to squeeze in college classes in mathematics and education which culminated in a Master’s Degree from the University of Alabama in 1968. Her new teaching career started in rural Alabama, moved to Skyline High School and culminated at Salt Lake Community College. She touched the lives of thousands of high school and college students through her unselfish dedication. She received her share of professional recognitions but none were greater than the appreciation of her many students.
As her grandchildren and great-grandchildren joined the family, she took great pleasure and pride in their lives. She never took more pleasure in shopping than when she was shopping for them.
LaWana was preceded in death by her parents, and two sisters.
She is survived by her husband and partner, Kenneth; by her three devoted sons, David (Pam), Douglas, and Travis; by 11 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.
The family would like to acknowledge Dr. James Pearle who attended LaWana’s illness with care and respect.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, July 12, 2005, 11 a.m. at the Kaysville Haight Creek Stake Center, 1520 Fox Pointe Dr. Friends called Monday from 6-8 p.m. at the Lind-quist’s Kaysville Mortuary, 400 North Main, and Tuesday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment, Kaysville City Cemetery.
Kaysville City Cemetery, Kaysville, Utah
