Merle Strong

Merle L. Jackson Strong, 89, passed away on June 12, 2025, into the inviting arms of loved ones, waiting on the other side.

Merle was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on September 21, 1935 to Clarence Jackson and Luella Shaw Jackson and grew up with one older brother, Gerald.

She went to Granite High School where she had several dear friends, many of which she stayed close to throughout her life. She dated and fell in love with David Strong, during her high school years. Once they graduated, they were married on June 25, 1954 in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they raised five children, Cathy, Lisa, Brad, Blake, and Angie, and continued to watch their family grow with many in-laws, grand, and great-grandchildren.

At the age of 19, Merle’s husband, Dave, began to take over his father’s automobile business, L. H. Strong Motor Co. From there the successful businesses became Dave Strong Volkswagen, Porsche, and Audi. Merle and Dave were wonderful partners, as they built their businesses, raised their family, and truly lived their lives to the fullest. Dave and Merle also traveled much of the world for Dave’s businesses and gained many friends along the way.

Merle was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, where she served in several callings. She was also involved with several church and community charities, such as the Junior League. She and Dave developed many close friendships in their wards, neighborhoods, and community. There were always swimming parties at their house and they also enjoyed golfing, tennis and watching their kids and grandkids sports and other activities. For years they loved going to University of Utah and Jazz games.

Merle always looked forward to her girlfriend lunches and did lots of traveling and cruises with friends and family. Traditions and family gatherings like the Christmas Santa party were everything to her. For years, summer days were spent with several friends and families on Balboa Island, before Merle and Dave bought their Coronado condo. Family vacations were a must, highlighted by the past forty nine years of summers in Coronado.

Merle never let a birthday or holiday pass without big celebrations of all sorts, and Merle secretly told each person that they were her favorite. Every year Merle looked forward to our “sweet tradition” of our Christmas homemade chocolates that we would gift to friends and family. This is a tradition that Merle and her mom, Luella, started more than 55 years ago. Over the years, several family members have learned the art of making and hand dipping chocolates and still carry on this tradition to this day. Merle will be remembered by all who knew her as a kind, friendly, ray of sunshine. People were always drawn to her because of her thoughtfulness, love, happiness, and generosity. Many of her children’s friends considered Merle as their “second Mom”. She will be deeply missed by her husband of 71 years, Dave, and her children, Cathy (Mike), Lisa (Kimball), Brad (Sana), Blake, deceased (Cindy), and Angie (Marion), and many loving grand and great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Luella, her brother, Gerald, her son, Blake, and grandson, Audie.

A viewing will be held Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 6:00-8:00, at the Mt. Olympus Stake Center, 4176 Adonis Dr. (3950 East), Salt Lake City, Utah. The Funeral will be held at the same location, Thursday, June 26th , at 12:00-1:30, with a viewing before at 10:30-11:30. The interment will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. 10600 S., Sandy, Utah.