Age 87, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2023, in Brigham City, Utah.
She was born July 14, 1936, in Murray, Utah to Golden LeRoy Berrett and Caroline Roberts Kimball.
After graduating from Jordan High School, where she served as class historian. She married her high school sweetheart, Raymond Wesley Whittenburg. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on September 1, 1955, and raised their four children together in Sandy, Utah. Merilyn was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She loved the Savior and spoke of Him often.
She was an avid Avon lover and sold it for 40 years. She earned several awards, of which she was very proud. She had an excellent memory, down to the tiniest details. She loved to make lists and kept notes for everything. Her greatest talent was writing poetry which she shared with us on every grand occasion.
Gift-giving was her love language. She also loved to receive gifts packaged with fancy ribbons and bows. Decorating for every holiday was her specialty and she offered treats and drinks to anyone that came to her home. She prided herself in being a confident and safe place for many. She strived to help others find the best in themselves.
Merilyn is survived by her children Mike (Susan) Whittenburg, David (Koryl) Whittenburg, Robyn (Scott) Mitchell, and Dan (Teri) Whittenburg. 15 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by her brothers Golden (Connie) Berrett, LeRoy (Mary) Berrett, Carolyn (Mitch) Green, and Brenda (Dan) Dahlgren.
Preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers Chad, Vaughn, Sherrell, and sisters-in-law Hallie and Linda.
A memorial service and celebration of Merilyn’s life will be held on Monday, July 31st at 11:00 am at Larkin Sunset Gardens on 1950 East 10600 South.
A Viewing will be from 9:00 am to 10:30 am with services to follow at 11:00 am at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Drive, Sandy. Utah. Interment to follow also at Larkin Sunset Gardens. A zoom option is also available at www.larkincares.com.
The family wishes to thank the staff and loving caregivers at Maple Springs in Brigham City, whom Mom considered family. They also wish to thank Dr. Oates, the nurses, and the staff at Brigham City Hospital for their excellent care as mom transitioned from this life.
It was a happy greeting between Raymond and Merilyn, I'm pretty sure.
My dear sweet friend Merilyn, I am going to miss you dearly, I am so grateful I was able to talk to you on your Birthday and wish you a Happy Birthday and talk to you one more time. We have been special friends and great Avon buddies. I will always cherish our visits and long phone conversations. We had so much in common and both loved our family dearly. She would always tell me to say hi to my son Brett, he loved Merilyn as well. She would always call me and say Peg, and then we would start talking, I can hear her voice in my head calling me now. I loved your mom, she was an amazing woman, mother, grandmother and great grandmother and wife, how she loved Raymond. She would always tell me about her grand kids and then all the new grand babies that she was so proud of. I love you Merilyn and will miss you terrible. Love Peggy Chastain
Whittenburg family……you all are so lucky to have such an AMAZING mother! She was so wise, beautiful and fun! I loved chatting with her! i have many treasured memories of your sweet Mom! I know she will be truly missed but she will still be with you every day. God bless the Whittenburg family. Love to all
I remember Merilyn for her kind words and small gifts any time I ws having a difficult time. She was so thoughtful of others, even when she was having a challenge. I remember well the many talks we had together when I was helping to care for Raymond. She had the gift of making people feel betteras she shared her own challenges. Merilyn always had time to give to anyone who came her way. Thank you Merilyn for all your tips of wisdom and loving kindness.
When I was a young chap, I spent more time at Momma Whitt's home than I did my own house. She was so kind in opening her home to me. Along with the generosity of feeding me meals, she also gifted me with great advice. Those long talks made me feel loved. Her love, along with the friendship of Raymond and David is something that I will treasure for all eternity.