Merla Swenson Thomas

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On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, Merla Swenson Thomas left this world and returned to the loving embrace of her husband Don, her mother Hannah and her father George. She was 10 days shy of completing her 101st year on earth. 

Merla was the seventh of eleven children and the youngest girl in her family. This may have contributed to her determination. You knew you were on the losing side when her tongue came out between her lips and you saw the glint in her eye. 

Merla was raised on a farm. She thinned beets, gathered eggs, hauled hay – the whole farm experience. She even tried to kill a chicken once, but kept pulling it back off the chopping block as she swung the axe. (That poor chicken was so dizzy!) Grandpa finally came to its rescue and never asked mom to kill another chicken.

Merla married her high school sweetheart, Don Wylie Thomas, on June 9, 1947, in the Salt Lake Temple. After asking a friend who had moved to Hyde Park “Why in the world would anyone want to live in Hyde Park?” Merla and Don bought their first home – in Hyde Park. She soon discovered what was so special about Hyde Park, and was privileged to live the rest of her life in their home. Six children were born to their family, and we each feel blessed beyond measure to have them as our parents.

Mom had the best sense of humor. She was always surprising us with quick retorts to our questions. She often made up funny songs and sang them to lighten things up. Mom could talk to absolutely anyone and make a friend out of them. As teenagers we were embarrassed by this, but at some point we started doing the exact same thing and began embarrassing our own children. Mom was convinced (and tried in turn to convince her children) that we each needed to learn to play a musical instrument (or two), which meant that much of her time was spent chauffeuring us to lessons. 

Mom had a way with words. She wrote beautiful poetry and willingly shared her talents with others. Mom never felt she was particularly smart, but we all knew better. She had a ready insight into things, an innate wisdom. She could solve problems in the most inventive and kind ways. That skill, combined with her humility led to so many moments of guidance that shaped the lives of her children. One statement made during a trying moment for a child was, “I hope you have just as good a time as you are planning on having.” It stopped this child in that instant and reshaped her approach to meeting challenges for the rest of her life. Mom spent countless hours helping us with homework, listening to our problems and offering gentle yet effective guidance. She was thrilled when she could finally say that each of her children graduated from Utah State University. We will be eternally grateful for her devotion to each one of us.

Being born early in the 20th century did not slow her down. She had a lifelong passion for family history. Despite having no computer experience, she quickly mastered using the genealogy programs when they became available. She connected so many generations together there is sure to be a host of family members to greet her as she enters heaven.

Mom was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a firm testimony of her Savior. It was evident in all her actions. She served in multiple presidencies in both the Primary and the Relief Society as well as in countless other callings. 

Mom is survived by her six children and their spouses (Lynn & Nancy Thomas; Paula & Roger Tew; Kent & Laurie Thomas; Debra & Don Carter; Sally & Kendall Johnson; Janna & Del Espinosa); 24 Grandchildren; 47 Great-grandchildren; brother Dallas Swenson; sister-in-law Nedra Swenson; sister-in-law Norma Swenson; bonus sister and brother Kay & Vince Ericksen; bonus son Craig Jessop; Kyle & Brent – it didn’t matter who delivered corn first, she was delighted with their offerings; her birthday buddies, Linda, Portia and Kyle; and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Don; granddaughter Marissa; grandson Kurtis; great-grandson Loen; and 9 siblings. 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 22 at 11:00 am in the Hyde Park 8th Ward building, 42 West 200 South, Hyde Park. A viewing will be held from 6:00-8:00 pm Friday, February 21 at the church and on Saturday morning from 9:30-10:30 am, prior to services. Interment will be in the Hyde Park Cemetery.

It was important to all of her children to care for Mom in her own beloved home. It was her wish to be there. Being able to spend time with her was an amazing blessing. It wasn’t always easy and we realize not everyone can do this, but we were grateful for the opportunity to serve her. We as a family would like to express our deepest love and appreciation for others who also helped: her Hospice nurse, Natalya and for Kathryn, Margaret Ann, RaNae, Madi, Angela, Melinda and Sophie. This journey would have been impossible without their help.

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com.

*Disclaimer: If for some reason the livestream of the Funeral Service does not work we will record the service and upload the video and/or audio recording at a later date.*