Mary L. Merrell, 80, Honored Thursday At Funeral Rites.

Funeral services were held today (Thursday) at 11:00 a.m. in the Naples Ward Chapel for Mrs. Mary Sofia Elizabeth Lybbert Merrell, 80, a former Vernal resident, sho died Sunday at 3:00 a.m. at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Bernard Winkler at Bluebell of causes incident to age.

Services were under the direction of the Naples Ward bishopric with Bishop Morris R. Cook conducting.

Prayer at the home was offered by Ashel Manwaring.

Prelude and postlude music at the chapel was played by Mrs. Lloyd Pope. Invocation was offered by Leslie Goodrich of Bluebell.

Speakers were Byron Goodrich, Harold E. Hullinger and Arthur Manwaring who all paid tribute to the life of service lead by Mrs. Merrell.

Speakers were Byron Goodrich, Harold Hullinger and Arthur Manwaring, who paid tribute to the life of service lead by Mrs. Merrell.

Musical numbers included "When You Come To The End Of A Perfect Day" sung by Mr. and Mrs. Glade M. Sowards. Accompanist was Mrs. Leo Calder.

Misses Shanna Lee and Pauline Winkler and Mrs. Maxine Todd sang, "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You." They are granddaughters of Mrs. Merrell.

A double mixed quartet consisting of Mrs. Grant Merrell, Mrs. Clyde Chivers, Mrs. Lavell Simmons, Mrs. Lynn Richens, Orlo Goodrich, Dee Manwaring, Jerome Goodrich and Norman Haslem, sang, "Hope Beyond" and "I Know My Heavenly Father Knows."

Luther Carlisle of Payson, Utah, sang "The Holy City."

Benediction was offered by Luther Gale. Burial was in the Vernal Memorial Park Cemetery with William Wonnecott dedicating the grave.

Pallbearers were Porter, William A., Victor, Arthur, LaVoir and Sterling Merrell.

Born at Levan
Mrs. Mary Lybbert Merrell was born at Levan, Juab County, Utah, September 25, 1877, a daughter of Christian Fredrik Bernard and Antonette Marie Olsen Lybbertt. She moved to Uintah Basin with her parents when she was six years of age.

Mrs. Merrell received her elementary schooling here and also attended one year in the old Uintah Academy. She did some elementary teaching during her life.

She was married to William Porter Merrell on October 8, 1896 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They resided in Naples and Jensen and in 1907 moved to Bluebell. They were the parents of 12 children, 11 of whom are still living. Mr. Merrell, a farmer and rancher, died in January of 1930. He had served as Bishop at Bluebell for 17 years.

Mrs. Merrell who was an active member of the LDS Church served as Relief Society president, YWMIA president, was a teacher in the ward auxilliary organizations. She moved to Salt Lake City about 25 years ago and resided there until recently when due to poor health, has been living with her daughters.

Survivors include sons and daughters, Mrs. Luther (Irene) Gale, Moses Lake, Washington; Porter Merrell, Duchesne; Mrs. Bernard (Lucille) Winkler, Bluebell; William A. Merrell, Boise, Idaho; Mrs. Ashel (Elva) Manwaring, Vernal; Victor Merrell, Mrs. Lester (Florence) Nielsen, Moses Lake, Washington; Arthur Merrell,. Salt Lake City; LaVoir Merrell, Provo; Lt. Col. Sterling Merrell, Puerto Rico and Mrs. William (Winnona) Wonnocott, Provo; 80 grandchildren and 50 great-grandchildren.

-Vernal Express, January 9, 1958, transcribed by Rhonda Holton

Mary Sophia Elizabeth Lybbert is the daughter of Antonette Marie Olsen and Christian Frederick Lybbert.

She married William Porter Merrell October 8, 1896 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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Mary was the daughter of Christian Frederik Bernhard Lybbert and Antonette Marie Olsen. At the age of six she moved with her parents to the Uintah Basin. She attended school within the area and later attended one year in the old Uintah Academy. She did some elementary school teaching during her life.

She married William Porter Merrell on October 8, 1896 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. The couple resided in Naples and Jensen and in 1907 moved to Bluebell. They became the parents of 12 children. William died in 1930.

An active member of the LDS Church she served as Relief Society president, YWMIA president and was a teacher in the ward auxiliary organizations.

After her husband's death she lived in Salt Lake City for twenty-five years and later, because of poor health, she moved back to the Uintah Basin area and resided with her daughters.

(Adapted from obituary, Vernal Express, January 9, 1958 edition)