Merle Orton

Merle Orton passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025 of natural causes at the age of 89. Her passing was much eased by the kind and conscientious care received from the team at St George Regional Hospital – Intermountain Healthcare. A graveside service will be held at the Kanab cemetery on Saturday January 25th at noon.
Merle lived a full an interesting life. She moved to San Fransisco after graduating high school in Delta Utah to attend secretarial school. Upon returning to Utah and Salt Lake City, she used her super powers of organization and relationship building to work in business for many years, invoking her personal brand "The Merle Girl" as the pinnacle in comprehensive office management. She chose to acquire new skills and venture into real estate in 1976. After two successful decades she retired to "Color Country" in Kanab in 1995. She loved the "beauty and splendor" of southern Utah.
She lived with and cared for her mother in Kanab and later St. George from 1997 until her passing in 2009. Merle and Althea loved to host visiting family and friends during those years.
Merle's life was full of excitement, adventure and travel. She enjoyed making new friends as much as she loved spending time with old ones.
A spiritual free agent, Merle had ties to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as well as other Christian denominations. A true citizen of the world, Merle was drawn to spirituality and connection to the divine in all its forms. She valued volunteering and charitable giving and engaged in both throughout her life.
Merle is survived by her brother Wallace B. Orton of Randolph, Utah. Preceded in death by her brothers Jackie D. Orton & Duane K. Orton and her sister Emma D. Houston. There is a long list of nieces and nephews whose lives were profoundly touched by their Aunt Merle.
Arrangements were made with Mosdell Mortuary.