Dorothy May Hurst Merrell

Dorothy May Hurst Merrell, 96, of Salt Lake City, passed away on November 3, 2026, at home, surrounded by her family.

Dorothy was born on January 3, 1930, at Gray Maternity Home in Provo, Utah, to Parley Oscar Hurst and May Theda Young. Raised in Blanding, Utah, she graduated from San Juan High School and then attended beauty school. She worked at LDS Hospital and spent 35 years with Salt Lake City School District Food Services. She married Marvin Merrell on May 3, 1953. (Later Divorced) Together they had seven children: Nancy, Gwen, Denise, Mona, Glen, Donald, Douglas. The family was later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in 1964.

After losing her mother in 1946 at age 16, Dorothy helped care for her younger brothers, Bruce and Merrill. When her father remarried in 1948, she gained a wonderful bonus mom, Agnes Donaldson. Agnes was wonderful and helped raise their family.

Dorothy cherished her membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and her close relationship with her Savior, Jesus Christ. Throughout her life, she served in many callings, including Relief Society president, Primary teacher, and name extraction worker.

A beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Dorothy exemplified a Christ-centered life through her constant care and concern for others. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Dorothy is survived by her children Denise (Marshall) Lira, Mona (Todd) Nielson, Glen (Barbara) Merrell, and Don (Shery) Merrell. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Bruce and Merrill; two daughters, Gwen and Nancy (husband Roland) and son Doug (wife Thuy)

Funeral will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at the Rose Park 8th Ward Chapel, located at 1155 North 1200 West Salt Lake City, Ut at 11:00 AM. Viewing will be from 9:00-10:45 AM the same day at the church.