Merle Henderson

Merle Henderson, 7 July 1922

POCATELLO – Merle Henderson, 81, of Pocatello, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her children on September 15, 2003.

She was born on July 7, 1922 in Daniels, ID to John J. and Armenta Richards Jones. She spent her childhood and early teenage years in Malad, ID where she attended school. She lost her father at the age of 17 and moved to Aberdeen, where she moved in with relatives to help care for their children.

She later moved to Pocatello, where she met and married her sweetheart, Jarvis Wayne Henderson. They were joined in marriage on June 1, 1941, celebrated 57 wonderful years together before Wayne’s death on march 14, 1998. Wayne’s departure left a great void in Merle’s life.

Merle was a woman of relentless strength. She had a gentle yet strong spirit and was devoted to caring for her husband and family. Her family meant the world to her, and she loved spending time with them, and spoke often of her trips to the Oregon Coast, Milwaukee and Georgia. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She took pride in her role as a homemaker and was always ready with a meal for anyone who stopped by. She enjoyed gardening and took great pleasure in growing beautiful roses. She touched the hearts of all who knew her and will be deeply missed by those of us she left behind.

She is survived by her children, Darlene (Jim) Mowrey of Pocatello; Darrell (Shari) Henderson of Pocatello; Cheryl (Keith) Farnsworth of Oak Creek, Wisconsin; Gerald Henderson of Boise; Boyd (Susan) Henderson of Pocatello; Beverly (Ignacio) Farfan of Pocatello; Tammy (Matthew) Theiler of Idaho Falls; and Craig (Kim) Henderson of Rocky Face, GA; 23 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; three sisters, Elaine Tillotson, Donna Tillotson and Kay (Frank) Williams; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two brothers, LaVar and Victor, four sisters, Alice,, Margaret, Melba and Shirley; a granddaughter Traci Engdahl and two great grandsons, Cameron and Connor Dykman.

Funeral services will be September 19, 2003 at Colonial Funeral Home, Pocatello. Burial will follow the service at Restlawn Memorial Gardens.