LeNore Merkley Gill Wells, 96, a wonderful mother, dedicated wife and a noted civic and church leader passed away Sunday, January 21, 2018, of natural causes. She was dearly loved by many and will be greatly missed. LeNore was born in Tridell, Uintah County, Utah, on May 30, 1921, to Christopher Bartlett Merkley and Lelia Jane Lyman. She married Ruland J (Jay) Gill on August 5th, 1941, which was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. On July 11, 1985, she married Richard W. (Dick) Wells.
From an early age, LeNore was a self-taught and accomplished pianist and frequently performed at Altera High School in Uintah County, Utah, where she also graduated as Student Body President and Valedictorian. She attended one year at Brigham Young University. She loved to ballroom dance, play bridge with friends, camp, travel and make elaborate centerpieces for banquets. She'll be remembered for her welcoming personality that was full of class and grace. Most of all, she loved her family and friends.
LeNore also treasured her community. She was the President of the Utah Women's Motor Transport Association, Historian for the Salt Lake Council of Women, and a member of many other civic organizations.
She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, serving in many capacities, including Primary and Young Women Presidents. She was part of the famous leaders that came from the South Highland Park Ward and had life-long friends from those callings and associations.
Preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Jay Gill; second husband, Dick Wells; sisters Barta Lelia Merkley Jenkins Hullinger and Reva Merkley Crow Denlinger; brothers Lyman Bart Merkley, Nelson David Merkley, Karl Rae Merkley, and Nyle Gene Merkley. Survived by her brothers Evert Ramone Merkley (Delores), Dean Merkley (Ann) and Thoral Merkley (Sherrie); children Connie Kwant-Snow (John, Midvale, Utah), Ruland J Gill, Jr. (Karen, Bountiful, Utah), Shauna Jo Gill Hillstead (Steve, Sandy, Utah), Kelly Jeryl Gill (Carrie, Brentwood, Tennessee); stepdaughters, Judy (Jeff) Gill, Susan (Tom) Ludlow, Janice (Bill) Sipes; 14 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Many of her nieces and nephews considered her their second mother.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 3rd, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. at the Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, UT 84092, with a viewing from 12:30-1:45 p.m. prior to the services. Interment: Larkin Sunset Gardens.
Condolences can be shared with the family online at www.larkincares.com.
