It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Merla Jensen, who left us peacefully in her sleep on March 8th at the age of 72. She was surrounded by her loving family, just as she had always surrounded them with kindness, warmth, and unwavering love.
Merla was born on October 3, 1952, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Merlin Stapley and Alta Lundell. She grew up on her family’s farm, where she learned the values of hard work, resilience, and compassion—qualities that shaped her life. She cherished the simple joys of life, from caring for her siblings and deep love of her animals.
On October 4, 1980, she married Kerry Jensen, and together they built a life full of love, adventures, and cherished memories. Inseparable from the moment they met surrounded by friends at a party, everyone could see their endless love for each other.
Merla found her true calling as a nurse, dedicating her life to the care and comfort of others. With a heart full of compassion, she was a source of strength and healing for her patients, embodying the selflessness and kindness that defined her character. She was always a champion for the vulnerable, always standing up for others with kindness and strength.
She found immense joy in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, making each one feel deeply loved and valued. Merla’s grandchildren will always cherish the adventures they shared with her and Grandpa—long road trips, mossy hunt movies, exploring the great outdoors and searching for historical artifacts. She had a love for taking them on rides to see wild horses or hunting for ghost towns together. One of their favorite pastimes was visiting the antique shop just a few blocks from her home in South Salt Lake, where she would help them search for hidden treasures.
These moments, filled with excitement and wonder, are now cherished memories that will live on in their hearts forever.
She is survived by her husband Kerry Jensen the love of her life. Her sister, Betty Tanner, and her beloved family:
Children: Jonnie, Misty & Billy, Brian & Julie
Grandchildren: Kerry & Mickelle, Allen & Kelsie, Mat & Merla, Geraldine & Bernardo, Billie, Ciara & Devin, Jonnie C.
Great-grandchildren: William, Scarlett, Ronan, Harper, Maddox, Everleigh, Camila, Adalynn, Cameron, Waylon and Alaina.
Loved ones: Cindy & Chase, Jeanie & Brian, Sally & Kenny and her darling nurse Brianna that has taken care of her for these past few years. Her dear friend Joyce Sommers and all her Peppermill friends who treated her like gold!
She was preceded in death by her parents, Merlin Stapley and Alta Lundell, her brother, Ernie Stapley, her sisters, Alice Taron, Connie Stapley, and son in law Brian Miller.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date at Merla’s request.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength in her children, grandchildren, and all those fortunate enough to have known her.
Though our hearts ache in her absence, we find comfort in knowing she is at peace, her spirit forever woven into the fabric of our family.
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