Merle M Blair's Obituary
Our beautiful mother, Merle M. Blair, passed away August 23rd, 2018, with her children surrounding her. She was born January 9th, 1935 to Tillie Belle and Miles Miller. Married John E. Blair on January 31st, 1957 in Ogden, Utah. He passed away March 2nd, 1992.
Our mother was a very smart woman, graduating at the top of her class at St. Benedicts Nursing School in 1956. She worked in many different areas of nursing until her retirement in 2000.
Mom had an artistic streak and enjoyed creative activities, making many Halloween costumes, throwing themed birthday parties for her children, decorating for holidays, and making the best fudge known to man. For over 20 years we would celebrate the food and drink of other countries at Christmas, and her house would be fabulously decorated in that year’s theme. The food wouldn’t always work out, but we’d make funny and wonderful memories all the same.
The sugar cookies Mom has baked and frosted over the years to give to neighbors and relatives must total in the 6 figures. She recruited us to help, of course, and would sometimes have cookie-frosting parties with the neighborhood children; a tarp under the table and bowls of frosting in every color, and the kids could go nuts. During Easter, we’d be greeted with several dozen eggs ready to dye whether we liked it or not. Hers always turned out beautifully. Ours, not so much.
Mom loved her children unconditionally, and her grandchildren even more so. She was always interested in and supportive of their dreams and ideas. She attended one of Tyler’s heavy-metal concerts, making her way up towards the mosh pit so she could watch him better.
Later in life when she had more time, Mom enjoyed travelling, often with some combination of offspring. We enjoyed visiting Hawaii, Canada, England, and many scenic places in the States. She loved nature and wildlife and couldn’t go for a car ride without scouting for deer or other animals. Once while looking for deer, one hit her car. This is irony. If she was unsuccessful with finding an animal in the wild, roadkill would do. (“Oh look! A badger! There by the side of the road! See it? I’ll pull over. You don’t usually see one of those, alive or dead.”) She would poke it with a stick.
Mom loved the people in the neighborhood, especially the children. She always had a bowl of goodies or Popsicles to give to the kids when they popped in after school or play.
She loved her church; it gave her peace and happiness to attend services as often as she could. She enjoyed socializing with her friends in the ward, attending potluck dinners, Lemonade Ladies get-togethers, etc. She’s probably brought sugar cookies to several gatherings.
She loved to garden, and her flowers were amazing. She won a “Yard of the Month” award one year. She was very close to her brother, Jeff, and we would visit him and his family in Price quite often. She enjoyed the annual camping trips with him and his family.
Merle is survived by her children, David Blair, Katherine Blair (Matt Bingle.), Kelly Blair, Elisabeth Blair (Lisa Hibbens), and Jennifer Blair (Ken Bodily). Grandchildren Jesse (Amanda) Bingle, Tyler Conner, Alex Hibbens, Erik Hibbens, and Caleb Hibbens. Great-grandchildren Skyleigh and Ethan.
Preceded in death by her husband, John, brother Jeff and sister-in-law Nan.
The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Potter and the rehab and hospice staff at CNS. We appreciate all the good care you gave to our mother.
Graveside services at the Kaysville Cemetery will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, September 8th. A reception will follow at the Kaysville 12th ward, 1039 E. Crestwood Road, Kaysville.
In lieu of flowers, please help take care of the animals our mother loved by donating to the World Wildlife Fund.
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