Merlene Palmer Johnson

Merlene Palmer Johnson, 85, peacefully left this mortal existence on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at her home in Layton, UT. Born on March 14, 1938 in Ogden, UT, Merlene was the first daughter of Mary Thomas and Ralph Palmer. She attended Ogden High School and Weber College, where she made fond memories singing in a group with friends. She worked at Webber Real Estate and then spent many years at the Internal Revenue Service.

Merlene married Joseph Park Johnson in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on September 14, 1960. She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her favorite calling was with the Nursery children, whom she loved and adored. After retirement, she and Joe served church service missions at the Ogden Cannery and LDS Conference Center.

She enjoyed family gatherings; entertaining grandkids; cruising and traveling the world; boating; attending the temple; and, in her later years, tirelessly doing genealogy work. She loved a bargain, a baby, a good book and a long soak in the tub. She was a friend to all and was happiest when connecting with and serving those around her.

Merlene is survived by her three children, Bob Johnson, Shelley Johnson, and Sydney Jones (Kyle); seven grandchildren, Brooke McIntire (Jake), Mitchell Johnson (Bri), Matthew Jones (Kendal), Nate Jones, Mark Jones, Libby Levine and Macey Levine; three great-grandchildren, Grant McIntire, Charlotte McIntire and Theo Johnson; brother Brent Palmer; sister Linda Jones; and other beloved relatives. She was preceded in death by her cherished husband Joseph Park Johnson.

Merlene was laid to rest in the Ogden City Cemetery among her many Thomas ancestors on Saturday, June 17, 2023, surrounded by her family and friends. In lieu of flowers, Merlene would be honored by a contribution to a worthy organization, a simple act of kindness – or a bit of family history!

Services entrusted to Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Rd., Layton, Utah.