Services are PRIVATE but will be live streamed for those wanting to watch at www.walkersanderson.com ____________________________________ John Jay Merrill 1933 to 2020 On July 6, 2020, our dear old dad (D.O.D.) passed away due to age-related illnesses. He has had an extraordinary life. Born on January 24, 1933, to Jay and Kathryn Merrill, he was raised mostly in Twin Falls, Idaho, where he met his sweetheart, Ruth. After marrying her in the Idaho Falls Temple, on May 14, 1953, they moved to California to attend CalTech University. He received his doctorate in Physics and was a well-loved Professor at both Utah State and Brigham Young universities. His final years were spent living in Lindon at the Spring Gardens Assisted Living Center where he received great care and attention. We send a big hug and Thank You to all at Spring Gardens who cared for and were friends to our Dad. John and Ruth had 8 children—Pamela (Dennis) Peterson, Linda (Ted) Hansen, Joseph (Bonnie) Merrill, Susan (Wes) Wood, Douglas (Judy) Merrill, Elizabeth (Wayne) Brown, Marie (Joseph) Winger, and Ann (Darrell) Jackson. Each has been loved and well-cared for by their parents, and all have gone to Dad for advice. A hug made each daughter cry her problems away, and he set a wonderful example for his sons as to how they should treat and care for their wives. John has been a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as Bishop for both USU and BYU Wards as well as his Orem 7th home Ward. He also served in the Presidency of a BYU Stake and served in the Illinois Chicago South Mission with Ruth. D.O.D. loved learning and would often be found reading a book. He also enjoyed the finer arts and taught his children to appreciate orchestra, dance, and theater. He was a concert violinist and an accomplished singer and could oftentimes be heard singing above the rest of a congregation. He sacrificed much so his children could participate in lessons and desired opportunities. His children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren will miss him so very much. Each felt loved and special. John was known for his big smile and jolly laugh. He had a unique whistle that his children would easily recognize. (Meadowlark imitation.) We always knew if Dad was near just by hearing that whistle whether it was in a nearby room or walking across campus. He loved the beauty of nature and loved to hike. He often took a daily walk, many times inviting individual children to join him. John is preceded in death by his sweetheart Ruth (2009), his parents, sister Kathryn Kirkman, and his inlaws Joseph and Oles Bingham. We rejoice in their reunion! John is survived by his sister Mary Ann Oldham, and a posterity of 8 children and spouses, 36 grandchildren, 35 great- grandchildren. To celebrate his life, the family will participate in a funeral on Saturday, July 11, 2020, at 11am. Due to the current health crisis and restrictions, services are private, however, services will be available online to view and watch. Interment will be in the Orem Cemetery and private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to one of several charities dear to John's heart: MS (http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/MerrillLegacy), Cancer (https://bit.ly/SGK-Merrill-Legacy), or the American Heart Association. If you would be willing to share your memories and pictures of John, the family would be grateful. Leave on John's obituary at www.walkersanderson.com.