Our dear angel mother Shirley Merrill White passed peacefully in her sleep at home on January 10, 2024. She was 94 years old.
Shirley was born on July 9,1929 in Safford Arizona to Vera (Allen) Merrill and Orson Clifford Merrill. As a child she moved around with her family until settling in Mesa during her high school years and attended Mesa High School. She was an example to all who knew her of Christlike love; always abounding in acts of charity and service to anyone in need.
She loved the outdoors and did a lot of camping and fishing. She also loved crocheting, knitting, music, serving in the Mesa Arizona Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, various church callings, and most especially spending time with her family.
Upon marrying her high school sweetheart, she was often found at many a sporting events, concerts, recitals, babysitting, and any event or opportunity that involved her husband or any of her children, grandchildren, or great grandchildren; and they kept her busy. She was greatly loved and often visited by her family and friends; and being a great cook, and the best apple pie maker, served as another reason for her family to frequent her home.
She is now welcomed home into the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ. She is also greeted by her beloved husband Wilford “Whizzer” White, her parents Vera (Allen) and Clifford Merrill, brother Robert Merrill, daughters-in-law Jolynn and Michele, grandson Ryan, and many other loving family and friends.
She is survived by her sister Elaine Merrill Ellsworth (Lynn), her brother Richard Merrill, her children Wilford Daniel (Jolynn deceased) and Linda White, Teresa Lyn White Yetter (Rich), Tammy White Malone (Scott), Cristall White Hall (Mark), Michael Chad White (Michele deceased), 26 grandchildren and 78 great grandchildren.
Mother, God greatly blessed us when He gave us you; till we meet again, we love you!
Funeral Services:
Saturday, January 20,2024
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2424 N Old Gilbert Road, Mesa, Arizona
Visitation 9:00 am
Services 10 am
Interment Mesa City Cemetery, 11:30, 1212 N Center Street, Mesa, AZ 85201
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
A beautiful lady, inside and out. She did so many kind things for me. My condolences to the family.
So so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. She was an angel so sweet composed and beautiful. I remember her directing the Stake Primary when I was young and remember thinking she was the most beautiful person I have ever seen.
Sorry for the loss of mother. My deepest condolences to the Hall family.
One of the kindest and most beautiful woman I have ever known. A role model for all. I will always remember her and the wonderful example she was to me.
So sorry for crystall. You think they will live forever and you are never ready for it. Your
So sorry for crystall. You think they will live forever and you are never ready for it. Your mom is such a sweet lady
Shirley was an Angel & an example of perfection in every way. The earth will be empty without her presence. She was a mentor for me & I shall forever be grateful for having her in my life.
Sorry to hear about Shirley’s passing but I guess we all get there sometime. I’m glad she was able to go peacefully.
We have sweet memories of Shirley and her family whenever we visited AZ. Always so kind and caring for others. We love the Merrill, White, Riggs families.
Such a beautiful and sweet Cousin.
What a wonderful reunion on the other side Loved her lots❤️
Sister White was one of our Young Women leaders in Mesa 6th Ward. She was kind, loving and such a beautiful lady! We loved her and she loved us! Hugs to her family until you meet again!