Merlene Shettell

Merlene Gay Shettell, 64, of American Fork, Utah, passed away on April 14, 2024, in Sandy, Utah. Born on October 24, 1959, in Logan, Utah, Merlene was the daughter of Karl and Viola Thurber. She was a lifelong gymnastics enthusiast, starting in high school and continuing through her college years at Ricks College and Brigham Young University.

Following her studies, Merlene embarked on a mission to Calgary, Canada, as a representative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was during her time at Brigham Young University that she reconnected with Mark Shettell, the man who became her husband. The couple were sealed in the Jordan River Temple on September 22, 1984. Merlene loved and served faithfully in many callings of the church including Relief Society President and with the Young Women. Merlene established Tri-city Gymnastics, her own gymnastics school, which she successfully ran for 12 years.

Later in life, Merlene loved tending to her flower garden, herb garden, and very large vegetable garden. She loved hiking, canyoneering, paragliding and playing tennis with her adventurous husband, Mark. She loved and adored spending time with all of her precious 13 grandkids.

Merlene's proudest achievements in life were raising her six sons, all of whom went on to serve missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and five of whom are now married and have been sealed to their eternal companions in the temple.

Merlene is survived by her husband, Mark Shettell; her children, Jordan (Danielle) Shettell, Jacob (Stephenie) Shettell, Luke (Julia) Shettell, Isaiah (Taylor) Shettell, Josiah (Amery) Shettell, Lazarus Shettell; 13 grandchildren; sisters, Jane (Chuck) Autry, Ranae (Ernie) Broderick, and Amy (Byron) Bateman; brothers, Ronald (Julie) Thurber, Dale Thurber, Spencer (Lorena) Thurber, and Alan (Kala) Thurber. Merlene is preceded in death by her parents, Karl and Viola Thurber and her sisters, Shanna and Marilyn.

Everyone who knew and loved Merlene is invited to join in commemorating her remarkable life. The Funeral Service to honor and celebrate Merlene's life will take place on April 17, 2024, at 12:00 PM at the American Fork 1st Ward Chapel, 381 South 300 East. A visitation will be held from 10:45 to 11:45 AM before the service.

Please share a memory on Merlene's Tribute Wall at www.AndersonMortuary.com.

Click on the link below to watch Merlene's Funeral Service via Live stream:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81299415106?pwd=R2s3MVN3RzRCcGVzaldRYnFVbFNUUT09