Merlene Sims Crapo, age 72, graduated from this school of life April 5, 2018 , surrounded by her family, as a result of a massive stroke.   We will be celebrating her graduation on Wednesday April 11, 2018 , at 11 am at the LDS Chapel located at 80 S. 280 E., Orem, UT. Viewing services will be held Tuesday evening from 6-8 at Walker Sanderson Funeral Home at 646 E. 800 N. Orem, UT, and prior to the funeral on Wednesday from  9:30-10:30 am at the LDS Chapel. Interment to follow at the Orem City Cemetery 1520 N. 800 E.   Merlene is lovingly remembered by her best friend and husband of 52 years, Alvin Crapo, and three daughters, Chrisanne Fage (Mark), Nikki Nance (Richard), and Tawna Crapo. She has nine grandchildren: Andrew, Shallise, Erin, Brian, Garrett, Kiercy, Caleb, Daniel, and Ana. She has one great-grandchild, Ryan, with two more on the way. She is also survived by her older sister Sandra Sims.   Merlene was born November 21, 1945 , to Oswold and Miriam Sims at the China Lake Naval Base in Inyokern, CA. She grew up in Salt Lake City with her older sister and brother. She graduated from Granite High School and went to BYU where she met her sweetheart. They were married September 2, 1965 , in the Salt Lake Temple. Their three daughters soon joined the family in 1969, 1972, and 1974 .   Merlene served others in many different ways including Humanitarian work, ten years as Cubmaster, donating blood (80 pints), and many church callings in which she touched countless lives.   Her hobbies, many and various, included things such as music, all types of needle work, quilting, tole painting, and almost any type of arts and crafts she could get her hands on. She also enjoyed building and maintaining the beautiful xeriscape and other gardens together with Alvin.   Alvin and Merlene loved traveling, exploring, and enjoying the great outdoors, especially Utah. Jeep excursions were a big part of their journeys. Her motto was, "The Jeep is our toy, Utah is our sandbox."   We extend a special thank you to all doctors and staff for their loving care and kindness.