St. George, UT – Merle Jacobsen Giles Ireland passed away on July 2, 2022, surrounded by the love of family at the age of 75. Born on December 28, 1946, in Heber City, Utah to Lloyd and Narda Jacobsen, Merle was adored by her parents as their only daughter and by her four brothers as their only sister. After graduating from Wasatch High, she enrolled at BYU, studying Home Economics. She put her studies to quick use after meeting, then marrying Stewart Reed Giles in the Salt Lake City Temple in 1967.

In 1974, Stewart and Merle moved their three young daughters to St George, Utah. She began working at a children's clothing store, The ABC Shop, guaranteeing their three daughters always looked adorable on holidays. As their children grew and eventually outgrew The ABC Shop, Merle needed a new challenge and started working for Washington County, eventually becoming Director of IT Services.

A few years following Stewart's death, Merle met and married Vern Ireland. They experienced nearly 30 years of life's adventures together. Never apart for too long, they enjoyed traveling, watching the Jazz play, NCIS, and Jeopardy. Merle especially enjoyed her new family and getting to know Vern's kids and grandkids. Thanksgiving was always a treat in Minnesota and involved lots of food and laughter.

After her daughter Cristi's untimely passing, Vern and Merle gladly adopted Cristi's young son, Kason. They raised him from the tender age of 3 ½ into the man he is today. Kason kept his grandma sharp and energetic, she kept him smiling. The incredible bond between this unlikely duo could not go unnoticed by anyone who saw them together.

Merle was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She faithfully served in a variety of callings throughout the years. She valued her life in the church and was always grateful for the friendships she made there.

She enjoyed reading, cooking, sewing, as well as socializing with her many friends. Holidays would involve cooking up a variety of famous treats for her friends, family, and neighbors. A master seamstress, Merle could sew just about anything from dance uniforms to prom dresses. There was nothing Merle could not do once she put her mind to it. A trait she passed to her daughters as well. Hard working, determined, charitable, and kind, Merle was a friend to all who were lucky enough to know her.

Merle is survived by her husband, Vern Ireland; her daughters, Angela Giles (Ben Green) and Lisa Giles Ward (Darcey Ward); and son, Kason Giles. She is also survived by grandson, Kiran Patel; granddaughter, Parker Ward; her brothers (all in Heber City), Lynn Jacobsen (Gail), Eric Jacobsen (LaRee), and Kayle Jacobsen (Peggy); and sister-in-law, Geneal Jacobsen in St. George. She also has many beloved nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Narda Jacobsen; brother, Roger Jacobsen; husband, Stewart Giles; and daughter, Cristi Giles.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Season's Health Care, the Neurological Ward at St George Intermountain Regional Medical Center, Amada Health Care, Intermountain Hospice, and the Bloomington Hills 4 ^th Ward for their support over the past few months

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, July 9, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at the Bloomington Hills 4 ^th Ward Chapel, 750 East Ft. Pierce Drive N. Visitations will be Friday, July 8 ^th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary and July 9 ^th prior to services from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the St. George City Cemetery.

Live streaming webcast will be available at:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj_u6ATkRbucvDU5qco0iMA?view_as=subscriber