Obituary of Stephen Wayne Merkley

Stephen Wayne Merkley passed away in his home in Cusick, Washington on November 30, 2021. He was born on October 8, 1946 to Wayne Robert and Emma Lewis Merkley. He married Jan Ellen Parry on September 5, 1968 in the Mesa Arizona Temple. He was blessed with six children. Five sons—Stephen Robert Merkley (Karma), Shane Andrew Merkley (Sherri), Chad Edward Merkley (Heather), Christopher Ryan Merkley (Melany) and Kyran Parry Merkley (Rachel). One daughter—Kodi Lee Merkley. He is survived by his wife, Jan, his children, twenty-seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren as well as his siblings Susan, Dean, Leann, Annette and Lewis. Stephen was a strong and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he held many callings over the years. He loved serving the Lord and reading the Scriptures. He loved teaching his family about Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ. He worked hard in whatever job he held. His main line of work was in the welding/fabrication area for many years and he took great joy in making metal toys, bikes and pedal cars of all sorts for his children and grandchildren. He had the remarkable ability to imagine and create unique designs for anything he put his mind to. At an early age, he learned how to repair and paint cars. A repairman was never needed in his household with him around. In his last few months he was on Hospice care, but he still kept working and creating. Family members sent him many Lego kits and a model car kit. This helped him pass the days until he grew too tired. We express our heartfelt thanks to the Hospice of Spokane, our nurse, Kelly, and our social worker, Cindy. To our children and other family members who took the time to travel so far to come see Stephen and spend time with him. To all our family and friends who have been thinking about us and praying for us. We have felt your love. You have been angels in our life during this hard time. May you all be blessed in rich abundance for all you have done for us. There will be a Celebration of Life on December 17, 2021 at 1:00 in Mesa, Arizona. Address is 1718 North Date Street in Mesa.