Donna Jensen Merrill, 92, passed away peacefully the evening of June 15, 2024, at Cedarwood Assisted Living in Sandy, Utah. Donna was born August 15, 1931, in Springville, Utah. Her parents were Harold & Emily Martain Jensen.
Donna spent her early years growing up in Utah County and eventually attended Brigham Young University, where she received her degree in Elementary Education. Donna was very active in school activities, clubs, and social groups. She met Robert Franklin Merrill and the two married in the Salt Lake Temple before settling in Holladay, UT on Kentucky Ave.
Donna taught for 30 years in the Granite School District, teaching mostly 2nd grade. She loved her students very much and was a teacher beloved by all. Although Donna was never able to have children of her own, she had dozens of “adopted” grandchildren who brought joy to her life, and she loved them like her own. A lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Donna had many callings and fulfilled them with dedication and love. She loved shopping at Nordstrom, reading, family history, music, golfing, watching Cougar football and basketball, and spending time traveling to different parts of the world with friends and her little sister, Marian.
After Bob’s death, Donna moved to Daybreak for 10 years, where she made many new friends. She was always involved with ward and community activities. Donna was a sweet, kind, classy lady who always dressed to the nines. She easily made lifelong friends wherever she lived. Once she moved to Cedarwood she made fast friends with residents and staff alike. Even at 90-plus years she was still impeccably coiffed, manicured and dressed. She lamented not being able to wear her heels in these last few years.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the loving staff at Cedarwood Assisted Living and to all those who have been her friends over the years. “She will be greatly missed,” is a phrase we have heard many times this week.
Donna is survived by her nephew whom she considered a son, Rod J Hunt (Diana, McKay & Hayden), and niece, Lisa Hogan (Brent, Zac & Rachel). She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bob, and her sister Marian Hunt Pangburn.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, June 21, 2024, at the Salt Lake City Cemetery, 200 North “N” Street, Salt Lake City, UT.
We will really miss her. She was a loving cousin to Ron. She attended many of our special events in our lives and our children's lives. She loved to see pictures of our children and grandchildren! She was always so loving and kind. She was so pretty! We are so grateful to Rod and his family for lovingly watching out for her, helping and caring for her these last few years. She touched so many people's lives with her compassion, service and love! She will be greatly missed!
Donna was so beautiful and gracious. I will always be grateful for her dear friendship with my mother Joy Peterson. It was so fun hearing about their adventures and always keeping up on their favorite sports teams. I am comforted to know she is with her dear husband again as well as looking forward to seeing some games once again with my mom. Love you Donna…. Until we meet again. 💜