Merri Ann Brower Obituary

Merri Ann Byington Brower, 55, of Rexburg passed away Aug. 21, 2011, at her home after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was under the care of her loving family and Hospice Alliance.
Merri Ann was born Dec. 9, 1955, in Idaho Falls, to Spencer Byington and Marian Moore Byington (now Pfeiffer).
She attended Ricks College in Rexburg and graduated from Idaho State University in Pocatello, where she obtained her bachelor's degree in elementary education.
Merri Ann married Kenneth L. Brower on Nov. 9, 1973, in Tetonia. A dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, Merri Ann also worked as an elementary and special education teacher at Burton Elementary and Lyman Elementary Schools near Rexburg. They have lived in Rexburg for 29 years.
Merri Ann loved to camp with her husband and children. She was a very spiritual person and had great love for all people. She enjoyed reading and gardening, and especially loved her dogs and cats. Her children and grandchildren were her life.
Merri Ann is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Kenny; three daughters, Kristi (Ronda Knudsen) Brower of Ammon, Katie (Scott) Weaver of Rexburg and Kara (Nick) Burrows of Idaho Falls; four brothers, Tom Pfeiffer, Buzz Pfeiffer, Jeff Byington and Kip Byington; two sisters, Sue Taylor and Bobbi Fonzi; six grandchildren, Mykah Weaver, Mataya Weaver, Marianna Weaver, Mea Burrows, Jackson Burrows and Mike Rogers Knudsen Brower.
She was preceded in death by her son, Kenneth Richard Brower; grandparents, Bert and Alice Byington, Alfred and Lucille Moore; and her in-laws, Richard and Betty Brower.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 26, 2011, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road. The family will visit with friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Friday, both at Wood East Side. Burial will be in the Ririe-Shelton Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rexburg Standard Journal on Aug. 23, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Merri Ann Brower

13 Entries

September 5, 2011

I will always remember hanging out and listening to the Woodstock album, "rocking out". We did that so much my sister thought I went to "Woodstock" I did have to explain to her I was only 11. Anyhow it was a great memory and there are so many more. I will miss you and sorry we didn't get to have more time to get together again. We were planning it but we were too late. I send my love to the family and we were so lucky to know such a wonderful, beautiful, sweet person. Love you Merri Ann....Cindy

Mark Kelley

August 29, 2011

I was a friend during the time that high scool picture was taken. Here is a poem I wrote about loss, that I think applies, even after many years.

“ TIME GOES BY “

TIME GOES BY AND IT FREES THE PAIN
TIME GOES BY AND WE
BLESS THE RAIN

THE SUN SHINES THROUGH AND THEN
ONCE AGAIN
WE FIND OUR HEARTS IN THE
HEARTS OF FRIENDS

THE DOOR SWINGS BACK AND WE
SEE THE PAST
WE FIND THE PLACE WHERE WE’RE
FREE AT LAST
THE DOOR SWINGS BACK AND WE
FINALLY KNOW
IF WE LOVED THEM, WE LET THEM GO

WE’LL SING OF THE SUMMER NIGHTS
WE’LL SING OF THE FALLING LEAVES
WE’LL SING OF THE TENDER TIMES
THE REASONS WE BELIEVE

TIME GOES BY AND IT GIVES US PEACE
GIVES US MOMENTS
OF SWEET RELEASE

THE MOON SHINES THROUGH AS THE
CLOUDS ROLL BY

OUR HEARTS WILL FIND THAT OUR
TEARS HAVE DRIED

THE DOOR SWINGS BACK AND WE
SEE THE PAST
WE FIND THE PLACE WHERE WE’RE
FREE AT LAST
THE DOOR SWINGS BACK AND WE
FINALLY KNOW
IF WE LOVED THEM, WE LET THEM GO

WE’LL SING OF THE SUMMER NIGHTS
WE’LL SING OF THE FALLING LEAVES
WE’LL SING OF THE TENDER TIMES
THE REASONS WE BELIEVE

THE REASONS WE BELIEVE

My condolences to the Family.

Merri Ann, 1973ish, Western High

Linda Ruiz-Lozito

August 28, 2011

All my love to Kenny and his wonderful family, I'm so sorry for the loss of such a beautiful soul from their lives. Even though I believe Merri Ann is in a wonderful place and in pure positive energy, I am still heartbroken about her leaving us so early. I will always treasure her friendship and feel lucky that we got to be so close in Jr. High and High School. I feel in some ways we grew up together when we lived in Las Vegas. Merri Ann Byington (Brower), Cindy Johnson (Webster) & Linda Ruiz (Lozito) are and will be, best friends forever!!!
Love you forever Merri Ann!
All my love, Linda Ruiz-Lozito

Karla Nelson Hansen

August 27, 2011

Kenny, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your wife. I have thought alot about you this week and pray that you can find peace. My thoughts are with you. Karla Nelson Hansen.

Larry Watts

August 25, 2011

Sad to hear of your wife's passing today. Please accept my condolences.

August 25, 2011

Dear Kenny & family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
When I think of Merri Ann, I think, "What a wonderful person!" I always loved her bright smiles when I saw her in the hallways at school. The year Marianna was in our kindergarten class, she would light up each time her grandma came in the classroom. She told us many times she was named after her grandma, and was very proud of that. I remember your family watching the girls perform in the talent show a few years ago---it was obvious what a close and supportive bunch you are.
Merri Ann made a big difference for a lot of children through her teaching. She was a great influence for me, too, with her example of making the best of her situation during her cancer treatments.
I'm sorry for your loss and the void you will feel as you miss her. May God bless you with comfort and peace as you grieve and as you remember the many good times you shared with her.
Love, Matt and Renae Hartline

Bert Pincock

August 25, 2011

Kenny Im So Sorry For The Loss Of Merri Ann,You Are In My Prayers,God Bless You My Friend.

August 23, 2011

I only know Kara and through the love for her family, I can see what a special person her mother had to have been. My condolences to the family. Helen Stanton

Peg Ashman&Family

August 23, 2011

I am so sorry I did not get the opportunity to meet this wonderful woman who co-created such beautiful children. My love, prayers and pleading for grace and peace ongoing are with all of you at this time.

Trish Van Doren

August 23, 2011

I will never forget how great a person Merri Ann was to work with! It was always a delight to see her and to be able to chat with her. You will be missed by many as you are loved by many. Rest in Peace! My love and heartfelt sympathy to your wonderful family.

August 23, 2011

Kenny, we are so sorry for your loss. God Bless.

Randy and Kristy Geisler

August 23, 2011

Dear Brower Family,
Our hearts are broken over the news of the passing of this caring lady. Please know that we are thinking of you at this sad time. Frank and Barbara Bell

Melissa Beckstead

August 23, 2011

Rest in Peace beautiful lady.

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