Velda Alder Johnson Merrill

Preston, Idaho - - - - Velda J. Merrill

Preston - Velda Alder Johnson Merrill, 84, passed away October 1, 2012 in her home in Preston, Idaho. Velda was born September 9, 1928 to Leonard and Priscilla Johnson. She was the youngest of six children. She grew up on the family farm and graduated from Preston High School in 1946. She met and married Clarence Perry Merrill in 1947. They made their home in Preston where they had eleven children.

Throughout the years as they raised their children Velda took on many jobs as an additional source of income. She worked hard to provide for her children and instilled in them the value of hard work. Velda was an active member in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She enjoyed her neighbors and her ward family and loved going to the temple.

She was preceded in death by her parents Leonard and Priscilla Johnson and siblings Ray Johnson, Knewell Johnson, Leonard Johnson, Frank Johnson and Ardell Henderson, her husband Clarence and her children Dee, Dean, Cynthia, Penny and Greg. Velda is survived by her children Brad (Jane) Merrill, Christy Merrill, LouAnn (Larry) Stokes, Todd (Connie) Merrill, Rick Merrill and Sherri (Guy) Adams. She has 36 grand children, 50 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 5, 2012 at 12:00 noon in the Preston 3rd Ward LDS Chapel, 155 North 200 West, in Preston, with Bishop Leonard Ward conducting. A viewing will be held on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 South 800 East in Preston and Friday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Preston Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com