Merrill Joseph Roberts

LOGAN, UTAH: Merrill J. Roberts, husband, father,
grandfather, District Forest Ranger and Rancher
stepped into eternity Friday, August 10, 2007,
following a short illness, to be greeted by his
darling wife DeVona, his parents, grandparents, and
wonderful friends.

Merrill, also know as M.J., was born Sep 1924 in
American Fork, Utah, to Ralph and Maude Roberts. His
never-ending love of the outdoors began as a toddler
growing up in the family sheep business. At the age
of nine, having been impressed with the government
trapper who would visit their camp during his
experiences with the sheep, M.J. determined he wanted
to pursue a career in forestry.

As a young man, M.J. served in World War II. After
returning from the service, M.J. began his academic
pursuits at Utah State University, College of Natural
Resources. When he met the pretty, dark-haired
DeVona Harward, he quickly fell head-over-heals and
they married in the LDS Salt Lake Temple on a
beautiful August day in 1945. In time, the household
grew to seven children; Trist, Debra (Dan), Dana
(Janet), Pamela (Duane), Marcia (Wade), Earl (Mary)
and Harvey.

After graduating in 1947 from U.S.U., M.J. began his
career as an Agricultural Aide, advancing to the
position of District Ranger for the Nephi District of
the Uinta National Forest, where he served for seven
years. His next assignment as District Ranger for the
Wasatch-Cache National Forrest lasted for twenty
years.

M.J. retired from his Forestry career in 1984 to
pursue his life’s dream of owning a ranch, acquiring a
little patch of heaven in Cache Valley and putting
cattle on it and farming the land which also seemed to
provide an aviary-like reserve for many species of
beautiful birds.

In between all the children, forestry, hay-hauling and
cattle, M.J. faithfully served in the LDS church
serving various callings as High-Priest Secretary,
Scout Master, Counselor, Bishop, and High councils.
His hobbies were numerous; wood working, lapidary, oil
/ water color painting, fly-tying, motorcycling,
hunting pheasants to buffalo, fishing any and every
good fishing hole (especially Strawberry Reservoir)
and playing and jostling about with the grandchildren
whom him he loved dearly.

Loved ones who preceded M.J. in death include his
loving companion DeVona Harward, his parents Ralph and
Maude Roberts, and his brother Max Roberts who died
during his youth.

Merrill is survived by his seven children, (mentioned
above), his brothers Ralph Eugene (Flecia) Roberts of
Fall Brook, CA and Glade W. (Dora) Roberts of
Missoula, MO.

Having lived life to it’s fullest; M.J. will leave a
legacy and loving memories for his children, 24
grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. We love
you dad and grandpa – “Happy Trails to you till we
meet again.”

Funeral services will be held Wed, Aug 15, 2007 at the
Logan 2nd Ward chapel, 89 S. 200 W., at 11:00 a.m. A
viewing for family and friends is scheduled for
Tuesday between 6-8 p.m. at Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34
E. Center, with a viewing at the church Wednesday 9:30
to 10:30 a.m., prior to services. Interment will be in
the Logan City Cemetery.

The family would like to acknowledge and give special
thanks to the professional and compassionate IHC
Hospice staff; in particular, Ben, Dodie and Shannon.
We also express special appreciation to M.J.’s
Physician, Jeffrey Huffman, for his exceptional care
and dedication to M.J.’s health and quality of life.