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BORN
1993
DIED
2015
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Joshua Merkley Obituary
Sep. 16, 1993 - July 17, 2015
Our favorite son and brother returned home to his Heavenly Father on July 17, 2015 while spending time with his friends, whom he loved.
Throughout his life, Josh was a constant light to all who knew him. Born on September 16, 1993 in Salt Lake City, he was the long awaited brother in a family of five older sisters. Josh had a contagious smile and he always served and uplifted everyone around him. As a boy scout and as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he attained the rank of Eagle and honorably served in the Bolivia Santa Cruz Mission, among the people whom he loved.
Growing up in West Jordan, Josh enjoyed playing the piano, music, hiking, sports, and was an avid BYU fan. While at Copper Hills High School, he ran for both the cross country and track teams in addition to serving as Senior Class Vice President. The things he loved most were spending time with his large group of friends, family, and serving the Lord. He will be remembered for quoting movies, his sense of humor, a love of Taylor Swift, and sending inspirational messages to his friends.
Our family would like to thank all who tirelessly worked in the search and recovery, including the Summit and Wasatch County Sheriffs and Search and Rescue teams, Life Flight, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Public Safety.
He is survived by his parents, Matt and Cindy, his five older sisters, Sarah (Steven) Stradley, Tabitha, Hannah (Ryan) Woolsey, Rebecca, and Leah (Daxton) Johnson, his grandmother Elva Merkley, his many aunts, uncles, and cousins as well as four nieces and a nephew.
Donations in remembrance of Josh may be made to the General Missionary Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to the Summit County Search and Rescue Team.
We look forward to being reunited with our little dude.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 23, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the Oak Lane Ward, 2680 E. Cherry Lane, Layton. Friends may visit family Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist's Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road and Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.
Interment, Lindquist's Memorial Park at Layton, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lindquistmortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joshua Merkley
Sponsored by Lindquist Mortuary - Layton.
6 Entries
Quinn Everett
August 4, 2015
Josh was a friend and example to all. When I just started high school I wanted to be like him, happy, loving, and always smiling and helping everyone. Just thinking of him puts a smile on my face, and it always will! Thank you Josh!
July 23, 2015
Dear Merkleys,
Your son was a home teacher to my daughter, Christine, in their BYU ward. Thank you for teaching him to honor his priesthood and to be a good steward over Heavenly Father's children. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rene R. Gutierrez
Jesse Valenzuela
July 22, 2015
Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to you Matt & Cindy & Girls (Merkley Family) All our best. Jesse & Lynne Valenzuela
July 22, 2015
Matt, Cindy and family
We are heart broken to hear of your loss and this tragic passing of your son. It sounds like he was an amazing young man. We wish we could have known him.
Our deepest sympathy to you and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Your cousin Jill (Merkley) Murphy and husband, Mike.
July 21, 2015
Matt and Cindy
We are sorry to hear about the passing of your son. From the story that I heard, he was a hero to the end, always thinking of others before himself. A true Merkley quality. May God bless and comfort all of you.
Mark & Debra Bateman
July 21, 2015
Josh,
I am so very proud to call you one of my kids. I always knew when Becky was with your group of friends she was with people she truly loved and I can not thank you enough for being a part of our lives. I look forward to the time when I will see you again. Keep an eye out for me, I'll be the one dressed as a pink bunny. Love you!
Grumpy
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