Sonia Carter Merrill, 78, of Thomas, Idaho passed away Friday, November 21, 2014 at her home.
She was born right here in the rock house of Thomas, Idaho on March 31, 1936. It was a record breaking day. Snowfall reached to the tops of the window seals and our angel Sonia was born. Because it was exactly midnight, the doctor asked her father (Homer) if he wanted an April's Fools baby. Though he chose March 31st to be her special day, he always called her his April Fool's baby.
Sonia was the 7th of 8 children born to the Carter family. She has 3 brothers and 4 sisters, who she made cherished memories with. Especially her older sister Mona Vee Carter who took Sonia's hand that snowy March day, and held it till the very end. Sonia graduated from Snake River High school with her beloved sidekick Mona Vee right by her side.
Sonia met the love of her life, Parry D. Merrill at the tender age of 12 in junior high school. From that day forward Parry joined the Carter duo, Sonia and Mona making them the inseparable trio.
Sonia and Parry were wed Jun 16, 1954 and their marriage was later solemnized on June 16, 1979 in the Idaho Falls Temple. They found great joy in traveling the globe hand in hand, finding adventure and making lasting memories. One of her favorites, being when she was invited to Dance with Lawrence Welk, while Parry directed the band. Parry and Sonia have 2 sons and 1 daughter, Brutch, Me'Chel, and Kip. They joined them in their adventures, making stops in Boise, Southern California, Las Vegas, and finally settling back down right next door, 50 yards from the home Sonia was born and raised in, reuniting Sonia with her treasured sister, Mona Vee.
It was here in Thomas, that Sonia worked side by side with her hard working sweetheart in building, opening and running the All American Market. Sonia was the perfect example of devotion, unconditional love and never ceasing compassion towards all she met, including but not limited to neighbors, stray dogs, wondering ducks, and injured birds.
She led us by her impeccable example to live as a dignified, loving Class Act family. We will never forget how she healed our troubled hearts with her tender hands, comfy beds, warm quilts, and carefully spoken words. We were taught to find beauty in all things. She had a keen sense for children's needs. She was quick to acknowledge a brilliant sun rise, a tiny budding flower, and a cheerful chirping robin, or music made by the many sounds of nature.
We will surely miss our walks with her, where the world seemed to slow down, our troubles seemed far, and an arrow head was always discovered. She was never in a hurry. She was never one to say no. There was always a way for all to be happy and YOU were always her very special friend.
She loved listening to the music of her beloved Me'Chel and would quickly hop to the piano to accompany her angelic voice as they sang together in perfect accord. Her children will keep the picture of their beautiful mother, by the beach, pants wet and rolled, skin tan and soft, bent at the waist collecting precious seashells for each to enjoy.
Sonia was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where she held many callings such as Primary Pianist and Chorister for many years, Relief Society and Young Womens.
Our family wishes to extend sincere thanks to Juanita Deluna our devoted and loving caretaker and the others who joined with her in taking care of our sweet mother and wife.
We love you Mom, Gram, and Sone. We know you are always by our side In the sound of a bird, the blue of the sky and the blooming of a beautiful flower.
Sonia is survived by her husband: Parry D. Merrill; her three children: Brutch (Teresa) of Thomas; Me'Chel (Daniel) Musgrave of Ogden Utah; and Kip (Jennie) of Thomas; sixteen grandchildren and twenty eight great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents Homer and Violet Carter, her brother Val Carter, her Sisters, Vaudice Dance, Ione Bates, and Carlee Rassmusen and her daughter- in -Law, Lanette Karlson Merrill.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at the Thomas Sixth Ward LDS Church, 100 S. 1050 W., Blackfoot, Idaho
The family will greet friends 6-8:00 p.m. November 24, 2014 at Hawker Funeral Home, 132 S. Shilling Ave., Blackfoot, Idaho and on Tuesday for one hour prior to the service at the church.
Interment will be in the Moreland Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.hawkerfuneralhome.com
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Published in The Morning News on Nov. 21, 2014
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