Lila Merrill

Lila Jean Asay Christensen Merrill
October 1, 1930 – May 26, 2025
Lila Jean Asay Christensen Merrill, age 94, passed away peacefully in her sleep after tenderly expressing her gratitude and love to the many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who visited with her in the days prior to her death. Lila Jean was born on October 1, 1930, in Venice, Utah, to Aaron Elias (Lyle) Asay and Elsie Egan Asay and lived a life of unwavering faith and resolute commitment to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who treasured her wisdom, tender hugs, expressions of confidence, and her lively sense of humor. Lila Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mel Merrill. She is survived by her six children from her first marriage with Bruce Christensen (deceased) – Neal, Val, Ray, Evan, Boyd and Jeaneen – along with 131 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her boundless joy.
Lila Jean loved music, especially “oldies” from the 40s and 50s. She had a beautiful Alto voice and sang in quartets and choirs for most of her life, instilling her love of music in the hearts of her posterity. A woman of keen intellect and a love for teaching children, Lila Jean taught First Grade for over 25 years and is gratefully remembered by many successful men and women who began their lifelong pursuits of academic excellence at a tender age under her skillful and loving tutelage. A former star player on the Utah State University’s women’s basketball team, she had a lifelong love for athletics and could capably critique the performances of teams and players in all major sports. She was happiest when she was present at the ballgames, recitals, plays and concerts of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as they gave their best performances, knowing their proud Grandma Lila was in the audience cheering them on.
Lila Jean’s legacy is one of endless spiritual and emotional support of her posterity and her boundless love, inspiring optimism and engaging humor. She was a captivating humorist and storyteller and often entertained grandchildren and great-grandchildren with both faith-inspiring and humorous life experiences. She found great comfort in her faith in the Savior’s atonement and His infinite love and mercy; and she constantly demonstrated her love for the Savior in her tolerant, loving and forgiving association with every person with whom she associated. She will be dearly missed.