Merna Fay Somerville Wayman

Merna Fay Somerville Wayman April 29, 1925 ~ June 12, 2013 Merna Fay Somerville Wayman was a devoted wife and beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother. She passed away knowing that she was loved by her family and dear friends and with great faith in our loving Heavenly Father. Merna was born in Ferron, Emery County, Utah, to William Ray Somerville and Ada Ray Henrie Somerville. As a young girl she cared for her aged grandmother, learned to garden, bottle fruit and vegetables and do chores, which were necessary for survival at that time. She married Elden Emmanuel Wayman, her high school sweetheart, June 7, 1943 in the Manti Temple. Elden then left to serve in the US Navy during WWII. After the war, Merna lived in many parts of the world with her husband as he enlisted in the US Army after the war. Leaving her small home town was a frightening challenge which she faced with great faith. During this time, she supported Elden in his military career where he attained the rank of Lt. Colonel. Her home was a place of refuge for many military members both single and married as she could relate and understand their loneliness and homesickness. To many of them she was a surrogate mother and many of those befriended individuals became lifelong friends. Traveling through Europe with her husband and children was something she enjoyed and her spirit of adventure remained with her throughout her life as she accomplished her goal to visit all fifty states. She raised their three children and served faithfully in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Living in France, Germany, and many locations in the United States, she filled these callings with devotion, love and friendship. After her two oldest children left home, she worked as a secretary in Arlington, VA in the Defense Communications Agency until Elden retired and they returned to Salt Lake City. She made many loyal friends throughout her life and travels. She and her husband served a full time mission to Fiji where they worked in the mission office as mission accountant and secretary. They returned home and in 1983 Merna became a widow and has been without her beloved eternal companion for thirty years. Being a widow taught her courage, perseverance and increased faith in our loving God.. Many times she has expressed her love for Elden and her faith in their reunion in the spirit world. St. George was home for a couple of years until she had a heart attack when she returned to Salt Lake to be closer to family and doctors. The Daughters of the Utah Pioneers was an organization of which she was a member and where she found joy. Through the Relief Society she had the opportunity to assist many in their times of need and this she did willingly. She did her best to love and comfort those who needed help. Gardening was also a favorite pastime, at which she excelled. Her home was open to all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and there were frequent family gatherings where she provided excellent meals and love for all. Her greatest joy came from her family and she loved having them near. Her encouragement assisted many of them to work harder and achieve more. Merna is survived by her sons, Blake Elden (Carol) and Kerry Lee (Mina); daughter Sonja Kay (Wesley) Sayler; 16 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Merna was preceded in death and will be welcomed by her parents; her husband; her sisters, Beth Chappell and Helen Somerville; her brother, Henrie Somerville. Funeral services will be Friday, June 21, 2013, 11:00 a.m. at Westbrook 1st Ward, 6500 South Dixie Drive (3620 West). Viewings will be Thursday, 6-8 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road and Friday at the church from 10-10:45 a.m. Interment, Fort Douglas Cemetery Hobbies:Gardening and being with family and friendsOccupation:Secretary / HomemakerOccupation:Daughters of the Utah Pioneers