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Merline Leaming Obituary
Merline Clark Leaming's life ended as courageously and independently as she lived it: at home, January 30, 2016 in the morning.
She was a pioneer, like the LDS lineage that gave her life on October 22, 1920 in Farmington, Utah. Her father was Grant Steed Clark and her mother Ida Smith Clark. She was the second of five children, four girls and a son, Lorraine, Merline, Helen, Norma and Howard.
She grew up in Davis County and attended University of Utah where she met George Allen Leaming; they married in 1941.
From an early age she demonstrated determination to forge a life imbued with beauty.
In 1952, Merline, her husband, George, and her brother, Howard, opened Clark Leaming, an institution that was to define her life. Outdoor wrought iron furniture upholstered in cotton canvas, manufactured by hand at home, was sold on a vacant lot on Highland Drive.
From that humble beginning, Merline, George and Howard's combined efforts and entrepreneurial talents grew to be an exemplary interior design firm in Utah. Most would agree that it was her graceful, dedicated force that led Clark Leaming to its stature. Through the years she served hundreds of families to make their daily lives more pleasing and efficient. It is not uncommon to meet people today who remember the influence she brought into their homes through careful attention to design and materials. Gradually, Clark Leaming grew to serve such important clients as the residence and offices of the governor of the State of Utah, the lobby of Hotel Utah, the conference room at Huntsman Cancer Center, corporate offices of First Interstate Plaza and First Security Bank.
Merline and George had two daughters; Jan, Bellevue, Washington, and Susan, New Canaan, Connecticut.
In the coming weeks, there will be a tribute to Merline's life for those who would like to remember her. Information about the time and place will follow.
Through the years, Merline made various contributions to the University of Utah. In lieu of flowers, please send gifts to University Health Services Center, 540 Arapeen Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Merline Leaming
4 Entries
Larry L. Langton
May 18, 2016
Merline, I am sad of your passing but so greatful that I was a part of the Clark Leaming family from the summer of 1979 to 1981 working at the Foothill office (Residential) manually posting debits and credits to customer accounts and then moving down to Clark Leaming Designs for Business as the Assistant Office Manager maintaining the inventory and pricing items on the show room floor which included working with yourself, George, Howard, Interior Designers and Staff. You all will be forever in my memory.
Paul Landes
March 3, 2016
Sue and Jan, I recently found out about the passing of your mom and it brought back sooo many memories of years ago. I remember her as a mom way ahead of her time who managed to run a successful business and raise two exceptional daughters at the same time. A remarkable woman. It took me a while to get over the passing of my mom, but I know that soon the time will come when you think of her and you will both smile and laugh. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to support her memory. Hope you both are well!
95th Birthday in October 2015
Llana Anderson
February 8, 2016
Dear Merline...It was my pleasure to be one of your caregivers during the last year with Pat. You were an incredible trooper to walk the track at the JCC to stay in shape, to read the papers every day to keep your mind sharp, and I especially loved it when you corrected my english. You were a lady of spunk, and I enjoyed that. It would have been fun to have worked with you in your "day". I really miss you!
Kathy Schoenhals
February 6, 2016
Jan, I'm sorry for your loss. I have such distinct memories of your mother picking me up (I think in a Karmann Ghia) to go to summer orchestra (back when you played the violin). She decorated the living and dining room in our home, where I now live. She was such a classy lady with a unique sense of humor.
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