Merilyn Johnson Tuttle

Merilyn Johnson Tuttle, 78, died on Tuesday September 7, 2010 at Utah Valley Specialty Hospital in the company of her three daughters.



Merilyn was born in Mapleton Utah on June 9, 1932 to Elmer and Luella Snow Johnson. She was the youngest of eight children- Lenore, Donald, Verl, Ralph, Edda, Louise, and Welburn-all of whom have preceded her in death. Merilyn graduated from Springville high school in 1950 and in the same year won the Springville City arts queen competition. In 1951 she married her high school sweetheart Floyd Tuttle in the Salt Lake City LDS temple just seven days after he returned from serving in the Kentucky/Tennessee LDS mission.



They were the parents of six children: Robert F. Tuttle (wife Barbara); Cheryl Burke; Marla K. Macdonald (husband Bob); David J. Tuttle, who died in 2004, (wife Debbie); LuAnn Samuelian (husband Mike); and John E. Tuttle.



Merilyn found her greatest joy in spending time with her family. She loved lunches out with her daughters and nieces. She'd travel any distance to see her grandchildren perform in concerts, recitals or plays, and was always invested in each of her family members' lives. She has left 28 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren whom she adored.



In 1999, Merilyn and Floyd served an LDS mission together in Nauvoo Illinois where they were the surrogate grandparents for many young elders. Merilyn fulfilled many church callings including young women's president and choir director. Her love of music, and especially of hymns, has been passed on to her entire family.



Merilyn had a charming personality that attracted many groups of friends. She loved her Mapleton "Sunshine Club," singing with the Sweet Adeline's in Garden Grove California, and was the life of the party in her margarita club in Lehi Utah. She was known for her young beauty, her wry sense of humor, and was adored by all who knew her.



Funeral services will be held at the LDS chapel on 1530 W. Pheasant Point Drive in Lehi Utah, Tuesday, September 14th at 11:00 a.m. Viewings will be held on Monday, September 13th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, September 14th from 9:45 to 10:45. Interment at Evergreen Cemetery in Springville.