Melania “Melanie” Merrill

Melania “Melanie” Merrill, age 69, passed away June 10, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah after a hard battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family as she left this earth and was reunited with her parents, brothers, other family, and friends. She was the most loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.
Melania was born in Murray, Utah to Ruby and Howard “Spike” Merrill and was the youngest of 4 children. She had 3 big brothers that she looked up to and loved so much. She was raised in Bluffdale, Utah. Her parents had a “little farm” with cows, pigs, chickens, guinea hens, and one little lamb. Always had a huge garden filled with vegetables. Growing up they spent lots of time with their Idaho family; riding horses, catching fish, and playing on the ranch. Melania graduated from Bingham High School in 1971. She attended college at Steven’s Henegar Business College, Salt Lake Community College, and Westminster University. She decided she wanted to “do hair” and that she did. She obtained her cosmetology license in 1979 and did hair for many, many years. In 1983, her daughter, Stacie, was born and their amazing relationship began. Together they had many adventures resulting in everlasting memories. They were best friends. In 1987 she began working for The State of Utah at the Department of Corrections. About 3 years later she moved to the Department of Workforce Services where she worked as an employment counselor, a supervisor, and helped veterans and women of domestic violence. She retired after 26 years and began enjoying her well-earned retirement.
Melania loved to bake, cook, garden, and spend time with her family. She enjoyed reading and going to the movies. She also loved her 3 fur babies. She would volunteer at her grandchildren’s school and help in the classroom or on field trips. She went to all of their soccer games. She supported them in anything they wanted to do or try. They enjoyed their “Friday Fun Days” and baking days.
Melania is preceded in death by her parents Ruby and Howard “Spike” Merrill; big brothers Max Albert and Howard Dee Merrill; and sister in-law Louise “Jenny” Merrill.
She is survived by her daughter Stacie (Dave) Russell; 3 grandchildren McKenna, Sawyer, and Chanlie Russell; brother and sister in-law Norman and Linda Merrill; sister in-law Cathy Merrill; fur babies Harley, Maddie, and Nyx; and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses, and the many other workers at the Huntsman Cancer Institute for their thoughtfulness, care, and support that my mom received from them.
Graveside services will be held Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at 1200 PM at Memorial Mortuary, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah 84123. There will be a viewing one hour prior to services from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
Mom, I love you more than you could possibly know. You were loved by many and will be missed every day. I have learned so much from you and hope that I can continue to make you proud. I love you!
Service Information
Viewing June 21, 2023 at 10:30 AM
Memorial Redwood Mortuary





Graveside Service
June 21, 2023 at 12:00 PM
Redwood Memorial Mortuary