Merla Berneice Baxter Fife

Merla Berneice Baxter Fife, known for her love of life, family, and the Savior, peacefully returned home on May 8, 2023. She was a fun-loving, kind-hearted Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother. Merla was born on August 9, 1939, to Merl H. and Iola Gibbs Baxter. She will be missed beyond words by those who knew and loved her. Merla is known for her vibrant spirit, willingness to serve and help anyone in need, and desire to serve her Savior. 

Merla married the love of her life, Morris, on October 17, 1955; they were later sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple. They raised their family in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She always said that she always had a testimony of Jesus Christ and wanted her children and grandchildren to as well. She exemplified that testimony of Jesus Christ in how she loved each family member purely and wholeheartedly. She always took the time to testify of Him in her conversations with loved ones, the lessons she taught, and her example to others. Her teaching continued after the loss of her sweetheart as she valiantly endured a life without him and demonstrated strength through trials as she insisted on living on her own and being independent.

Merla spent her life devoted to her family. She and Morris were blessed with nine beautiful children they loved dearly. Their children and their posterity were their greatest treasures and most proud accomplishment. Merla spent countless hours sewing cheerleading outfits, prom dresses, baby blankets, and anything else her family asked her to attempt. She developed her talents around her children and grandchildren as she worked to meet their needs. She loved flowers, and she and Morris were known for their beautiful gardens. Merla enjoyed flower arranging, decorating and remodeling her home, keeping an immaculate home, and researching genealogy. She was the heart of her family, and every member has experienced her deep, sincere love for them. Her love came without condition and will remain in the hearts of her family, friends, and loved ones who knew her.

Merla was preceded in death by her parents, Merl and Iola Baxter; her brother Merl Lamar Baxter; her husband, D. Morris Fife; her son Morris Anthony Fife and his wife Joyce; and her great-grandsons, Stetson Petersen and Jordan Carter. 

Her children survive her, Janelle (Rich) Skeen, Georgene (Jeff) Carter, Carolyn (Arlin) Ovard, Linda (Dallen) Wilcox, Kim (Chris) Mikesell, Adam (Coerina) Fife, Jennifer (Ed) Kinsey, Tiffany Fife; 35 grandchildren, 57 great-grandchildren with one more on the way; her siblings Jeanenne (Don) Warenski, Brenda Barlow, Bonnie (Nick) Tomaino, Dianna (Bruce) Hart, and Marsha Cluff. 

Services will be held Thursday, May 18, at 11:00 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ meeting house at 2700 South Morgan Valley Drive, Morgan, Utah 84050. A viewing will be held on Wednesday, May 17, at Walker Mortuary from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM  and on the morning of the services from 9:45 Am - 10:45 AM at the aforementioned church meeting house. 

The family would like to thank Merla’s ward family. She and Morris enjoyed their years of serving in the nursery. They were extremely grateful for the countless ward members who reached out throughout the years, particularly the last year,  to assist Merla when a need arose.