Verda Merkley

Verda Warren Merkley, 90, passed away July 25, 2014 in Shelley, Idaho.

She was born February 19, 1924 in Pocatello, Idaho, the fourth child to Stella Fern Bergeson and Aarus Elmer Warren.

She was the last surviving sibling of nine children. Verda's family moved to Groveland, Idaho and later Moreland, Idaho.

Verda married Theris Lyle Merkley February 19, 1940 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.

They made their first home in Tyhee, Idaho.

After many years in Idaho where all six of their children were born, Theris and Verda moved to Moses Lake, Washington where they lived from 1954 to 1993.

Verda worked for the Moses Lake School District as a dispatcher, trainer and as a bus driver for 27 years.

The next 18 years, residing in Richland, Washington, were happy years living close to family and serving in the Cottonwood Ward and the Columbia River Washington Temple.

She moved to Firth, Idaho in 2011.

At the time of her death, Verda was living in The Gables, an assisted living facility.

Verda is preceded in death by her husband, Theris, her parents and all eight Warren siblings:

Amos, Delpha, Velton, Norris, DeVon, Sybil, Colleen and LaVar.

She is survived by her two sons, VerNon (Susan) of Richland, Washington and Lamoin (Dixie) of Leavenworth, Washington and by her four daughters, Leota (Bruce) Kirry of Port Ludlow, Washington, Valeta (Jay, deceased) Dye of Firth, Idaho, Verla (Nick) Walters of Richland, Washington, and LuDene (Brett) Malcom of Firth, Idaho.

Verda and Theris have

39 grandchildren, 106 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday August 2, 2014 at Firth Ward Chapel (744 North 600 East). The family will receive friends Friday August 1, 2014 from 6:30 till 8:00 P.M. at Nalder Funeral Home, (110 W. Oak Street) Shelley and Saturday morning 9:30 till 10:40 A.M. at the church. Burial will be at the Groveland Cemetery.