Anne Merrick was born on April 21, 1960, and passed away peacefully on January 21, 2018 surrounded by her family. She fought a 2 Ω year battle with breast cancer exhibiting grace and courage. Anne was a graduate of West High School. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Utah (Go UTES!) and was a football season ticket holder. She later completed her Master's Degree with Southern Utah University. Anne was an exemplary kindergarten and first grade teacher for 32 years at Orchard and Bennion Elementary Schools in Granite School District, retiring last June. As we do the math, she impacted the lives of over 700 children making them feel loved, important, and capable. Often she would be approached by former students who recognized and remembered her and thanked her. From an early age she loved to travel visiting many countries around the world with family and friends. She also loved to ride her bike doing many rides, Little Red, Goldilocks, Wildflower PedalFest, and Wonder Woman. Last summer, although ill, she exhibited determination to fight by finishing the Little Red ride using an electric bike. Anne was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in many positions throughout her life. She never had children of her own, but the greatest joy of her life came from mothering her nieces and nephews and then great nieces and nephews. They loved to spend time with Aunt Annie on outings, hotel sleepovers, crafting, birthday shopping, and swimming at her pool with each one knowing that they were her favorite. Her deepest regret was that she wouldn't be able to see all the babies grow up, but we believe that now she'll be their special angel. Anne is survived by her parents, William F. and Lucille Merrick; siblings John (Debbie), Leslie Clarke (Stephen deceased), Stevane Godina (Fernando), and Robert (Laurie); along with 10 nieces and nephews and 13 great nieces and nephews and will be missed by all who knew her. The family would like to thank Dr. Samuelson, Bruce, Michelle, and Megan from Utah Cancer Specialists for their loving care for Anne. A message to encourage all women to get routine cancer screening for early detection. A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E South Temple, SLC. Funeral Services will be held Friday, January 26, at 11 am at the LDS Chapel at 1250 South Main Street, Bountiful, UT, with a visitation from 10 to 10:45 am. Interment in Lakeview Cemetery.
