St. George, Utah - Elizabeth "Liz" Merrill was a beautiful wife, a loving mother, and a fun grandma. She went up to heaven on June 26, 2021, after having a "wonderful life". Born Elizabeth Jane Pickens, she arrived in Bartlesville, Oklahoma on September 19, 1929. She was the seventh of nine children born to Albert and Mary Pickens. At the age of five she moved to Delta, Colorado and thus started the beginning of many moves to come throughout her life. Most of her middle school and high school years were spent in Logan, Utah. During high school she taught swimming and took up ice skating. She was quite good at this and performed with her younger sister, Mary, in the Utah Centennial Ice Follies. At the age of 17 she met her future husband, Joe Merrill, at the public ice-skating rink. At the end of their first date Joe told her he loved her. She laughed at him, and he said he would prove it. On January 2, 1948, she became the wife of Joseph W. Merrill. They were married for 74 and a half years.

The first nine months of their marriage were spent in Thomas, Idaho as Joe tried his hand at farming, and Liz learned how to cook and keep a house. They soon realized that farming wasn't for them, so they moved to Logan for Joe to get his civil engineering degree. In 1951, their son Greg was born, and they moved soon thereafter to Burbank, California for Joe's first engineering job. Not but a few months later they would move again to Palisades, Idaho so Joe could work on the dam. In 1953, they welcomed their second son, Royce. Eventually they moved to American Falls, Idaho, which was one of Liz's favorite places to live. Liz and Joe started playing golf, bowling, square dancing, and bridge. Liz also worked as a room mother for Greg's class and as a delivery nurse in the hospital. In 1958, they welcomed their third and final son, Keith. Liz said her greatest achievement and rewards in life had been her three sons and the years they had together.

They bought their first home shortly after in Idaho Falls, Idaho. It was in Idaho falls that as a family they were all baptized in the Presbyterian Church. Liz had a very social life being a den mother, bowling league, bridge club, camping, skiing, and golfing. After 6 years in Idaho Falls, they moved to Hawaii. Joe was gone for work about six months of the year. Liz was left with the three boys, which was great as she got to know them better than ever before. As the boys became teenagers, Liz had lots of action at her house on Saturday nights, along with lots of goodies. Once again it was time to move and four years later, they moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. Here Liz worked with American Tour and Travel and many hotels. They returned to Hawaii for another six years and then back to Vegas for a year before Joe retired and they started to settle down a bit.

To start off retirement they decided to build a home in Star Valley Ranch, Wy. Liz loved being in Wyoming and being so close to nature. She made many friends and enjoyed golf, hosting parties, dances, ladies' luncheons, bridge, and choir. She hosted the family many times for Christmas' and family reunions at their home on the Ranch. Her and Joe took the eight grandkids on a two-week camping trip no one will ever forget. They made many memories on that trip, particularly one of Grandma going down a slide. After living on the ranch for 25 years they moved to Mesquite, Nevada. There Liz was able to see the kids and grandkids even more and enjoy time with family. In 2020 Liz and Joe moved to St. George. Liz made quick friends in St. George. Even though she wasn't feeling well at times, she had a good joke and some sassiness, always ready to share. Her quick wit and laughter are very missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

"My life has been so full, rich, and filled with so much love from so many, that there is nothing more to ask for or want." -Elizabeth Merrill

Liz is preceded in death by her two loving sons.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at the Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 611 North 2450 East, St. George, Utah.