Our beloved mother and grandmother Merilyn (Petersen) Harvey, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2024, at her home under the loving care of her beloved family. She was born July 7, 1929, in Payette, Idaho to Marjorie and Franklin Petersen and had many happy childhood memories from her time spent in Payette.
She met Clyde Emerson Harvey in Pocatello, Idaho and they later married on Sept. 15, 1954, in the Salt Lake Temple. This began a great partnership that blessed many lives until Clyde’s death on March 21, 2018.
Their early years were spent in Idaho, Colorado, and Utah – eventually settling in the foothills of Salt Lake City where they raised their children, Paul and Marjann with tremendous love and constant support.
During their marriage, Clyde owned several businesses and with Merilyn by his side they established many successful ventures that took them throughout the United States and the world. They loved traveling and their home was a beautiful illustration of the people and cultures they came to appreciate through their adventures.
Merilyn epitomized elegance and grace and had a beautiful style that stayed with her throughout her life. Always the gracious hostess, she was a wonderful cook and often invited family and friends to their home to enjoy a wonderful meal and enjoy the talents of her hospitality. She was a known “chocoholic”, perhaps that’s why she was so sweet until the very end.
Merilyn had a great love for the arts and was a dedicated patron of Utah’s artistic community, serving on the boards of the Utah Symphony, Ballet West and the Ririe Woodbury Dance Company. Always willing to help, she also spent many years serving and furthering the mission of the Utah Youth Village to heal Utah families in need. Additionally, she was a docent at the Church History Museum and a member of The Classics Club and Friday Finders.
She deeply loved her family, and often expressed the joy and love her children and grandchildren brought to her life. She was their biggest supporter and was always present at special occasions, music and dance concerts, plays, sporting events and sleepovers. She appreciated the beauty of this earth, and some of her fondest memories were from time spent with family at their home in Springdale in Zion National Park, or on their farm in Peoa.
She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings throughout her life that brought great comfort to those she served. Perhaps her favorite service came as a Visiting Teacher, directly helping and loving individuals who benefitted from her dedication and grace.
Merilyn is survived by her children: Paul (Kathy) Harvey, Marjann (Val) Hicken; 8 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her sister Carol P. Jacobsen.
Friends may visit family on February 9th from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South, SLC. Merilyn’s wish in lieu of a funeral was to allow her friends to take that time and do something they would enjoy. An immediate family graveside service and Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Lawn.
Our deepest condolences to all of Merilyn’s family and friends. She was a lovely lady and will be sorely missed. With love, Andy & Lynn