Rell T Merkley

Our beloved Husband, Father, and friend departed this earthly life on July 24th 2022. Rell grew up on his parent’s farm in Dry Fork. He spent many years with his parents and brother Glen at Oaks Park working with his dad Joseph who was a water master there. Rell attended Uintah High School and enjoyed doing things with his friends and older brothers. He met his wife, Kathleen Bowles when he was a senior and she was a sophomore. They dated for about 2 ½ years and were married on July 5th 1962 in the Manti Utah Temple. Together they had 7 children 4 girls and 3 boys. The family lived in Rock Springs, Wyoming; Heber City, Utah; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Vernal, Utah.

Rell spent his working career driving truck for H.S. Sowards and Sons, His brother Glen and Nephew Kent, J.C. Bangerter and Sons, Intermountain Concrete, and Coca Cola.

Rell enjoyed watching baseball and basketball, especially the Utah Jazz. Fishing at Oaks Park, hunting deer at Merkley Springs, camping, cutting firewood, and playing “screwball rummy” were a few of his favorite activities. We will always remember his smile and beautiful brown eyes.

Rell is preceded in death by his parents: Joseph and Mary, his brothers; Arvid, Tad, Roland, Keith, Glen, and Jimmy Garr. His sisters; Irene, Carma, Echo, Joella, His granddaughter Amanda, Brooke Eaton, and several Nieces and Nephews

Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, July 28, 2022 at 11 AM in the Rockpoint Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints (2575 North 1500 West) Viewings will be held in his honor Wednesday 6-8 PM at the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary and Thursday at the Chapel 9:45-10:45 AM prior to the services.  Burial will be in the Rockpoint Cemetery.