Our loving and gracious mother, Merle Howell Parker, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2014, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

She was born February 29, 1920, in Rexburg, Idaho, and lived most of her life in St. Anthony, Idaho, where she married Lionel Ray Parker. Together they raised three daughters and had many wonderful friends. They lived in Tempe, Arizona, after retirement and then moved to Salt Lake City.

Merle is survived by her daughters – Bonnie (Bob) Castaneda, Kristine (Bill) Knight, JoAnn (Glenn) Fenn, her sister Barbara (Cal) Helm and brother George (Yvonne) Howell, 10 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Ray, grandson Mike, parents Reese and Essie Howell, brothers Max, Reese, and Bill Howell, and sister Rhetta Moser.

Merle made friends wherever she went. She was an avid reader, an eternal optimist, a great cook and bridge player, and she taught her daughters and granddaughters the art of shopping. In her quiet way, she has been the family matriarch, blessing us with her unconditional love and support. We will miss our grand lady.

The family is especially grateful to the Millcreek Hospice staff and the staff at Avenues Courtyard for their loving care of Merle – you know who you are.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Bert Flamm Mortuary (581 E. 1st N., St. Anthony). The family will receive friends on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Parker Cemetery.