Grace Ostler McKendrick Merkley

On the morning of July 30, our beloved mother shed her earthly bonds and slipped into eternity. She was aptly named, “Grace,” and embodied every definition of the word. She grew up on a farm in Nephi, Utah with a family of nine children and a strong work ethic.

She married William McKendrick on September 2, 1953 in the Salt Lake Temple and their marriage was blessed with six children. She used her creativity, ambition, and other considerable gifts for things that mattered most— rocking a baby to sleep, sewing, baking, organizing, and breaking up the occasional squabble. She created a beautiful home for her family in Arcadia, California and maintained all those responsibilities with a beautiful countenance and pleasant disposition. Underneath that was an indomitable spirit that held more resilience and hope than any mortal should ever need, and we loved and admired her for it—especially as she weathered the heartbreak of her divorce and single motherhood.

She was bright and intelligent; she accomplished much in the world and in her church. She served in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as a Relief Society President, Young Women President, Primary President, and teacher. Professionally, she worked in a law office and later in Real Estate.

In the Autumn of her life, she married Glade Merkley, and they served in the Los Angeles Temple and in the Arcadia, California Mission. She combined her own posterity with his with great love and affection.

Her love language was quilts and cinnamon rolls, and she liberally distributed both as she instinctively knew who needed an extra dose of God’s love. She was adored and admired by everyone and yet spent her best efforts on her family. Because of this, we all felt valuable and loved. She lived her life in pursuit of efforts that would outlast it and without a doubt, she was the most celebrated person in Paradise upon her return. With a mix of gratitude and grief, we say, “Spread your wings as you go; when God took you back, He said, ‘Hallelujah, you’re home’.”

Grace Ostler McKendrick Merkley: December 15, 1932—July 30, 2025

She is survived by her six children:
James McKendrick (Tina)
Margaret Miramontes (Michael)
Robert McKendrick (Delanie)
Helen Bernd (Eric)
Richard McKendrick (Lisa)
Michael McKendrick

Also, by her twenty nine grand children and forty plus great grands.

She then added to her life Glade's four children, eighteen grand children, and an additional forty plus great grands.

Funeral Services for Grace Ostler McKendrick Merkley will be held:

August 23, 2025, 11:00 a.m.

Viewing will be held prior at 9:30 a.m.

Both at the following location--222 S. 100 E., Nephi, Utah