LaDonna Jacobson Merkley

LaDonna Jacobson Merkley, 87, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 8, 2018, in Gilbert Arizona. LaDonna was born in Vernal, Utah on May 2, 1931. When she was 15 months old her mother passed away and LaDonna was taken in and raised by her loving grandparents, Charles and Annie May Anderson.

LaDonna grew up in Vernal, UT where she met the love of her life, Nyle, in 4th grade. They became sweethearts in high school and were married in 1951. Nyle & LaDonna were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. LaDonna loved and treasured her husband and sons. Nyle worked in various locations in the oil business and as a newlywed, LaDonna lovingly followed him all over Utah, Wyoming, and Montana while they welcomed the arrival of their three sons. In 1967 Nyle took a job as a Drilling Foreman in Benghazi, Libya and LaDonna joyfully followed him again, across the ocean, making their home first on the Island of Malta, then later in Libya. She found great joy raising her sons.

Nyle and LaDonna returned to the United States in 1982, where they lived in Utah, New Mexico, and Texas. Then in 1997 Nyle and LaDonna settled in Mesa, Arizona and were quick to make many new friends! LaDonna never met a person she didn’t like. She was always ready for a party, fun, or lunch with her friends. She treasured her grandchildren and over the years had many of them live in her home, creating the most treasured memories. She will be missed immensely by her family and friends.

LaDonna was preceded in death by her husband, Nyle, and her son, Monty J Merkley. She is survived by her sons, Bart N Merkley (Tiffany) of Warrenton, VA and Russell G Merkley (Luane) of Mesa, AZ. She also leaves behind her treasured grandchildren, Damy Buck, Annie Merkley, Bart Nyle Merkley Jr., Kristen Wilkerson, Charlotte Bleaking, Alexandra Merkley, Leilani Tetteh, Melissa Cotter, Maria Merkley, Jenni Cage, Spencer Jenkins, Amanda Gaede, and MaKenna Andreopoulos; and 14 wonderful great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her half-sisters, Jackie Loyola and Grace Jerman.

Her funeral service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Lindsay Ward building, 2618 N Lindsay Rd, Mesa, AZ 85213, on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at 11:00am. A viewing will be held prior to the service at 10:00am, with a luncheon to follow services. There will be another funeral held at Ashley Valley Funeral Home, 410 N 800 W, Vernal, Utah 84078, on Friday, October 19, 2018 at 11:00am. A viewing for family will be at 10:30am. Interment will be at Vernal Memorial Park in Vernal, Utah.