Darla Jean Merkley

Our beloved mom, grandma and great-grandma, Darla Jean Merkley, passed away on January 17, 2023, in La Palma, California after a brief illness, she was 86 years old. Mom was born at the home of her Grandmother Fogg in Rexburg, Idaho, on February 29, 1936. She was the first of six children to be born to James Virgil Fogg and Lillian Velma Terry Fogg.

By her first birthday, the family had moved to California where they eventually settled in the Carmelitos Housing Project in North Long Beach. She graduated from Jordan High School in 1953, and afterwards she went to work for the Telephone Company. She met her friend’s cousin, Kenneth (Ken) Merkley, when he came to Long Beach on leave from the Navy in San Diego. They were married on June 16, 1956, and Darla followed her new husband back to his home state of Utah. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake LDS Temple in 1960. In 1962, they moved to California, and in 1966, they moved to the City of Lakewood, which became their permanent home.

Mom had many talents. She knew how to make a house a home, besides her 3 daughters, there were many others who called her mom. She made home a happy place, full of love, family gatherings, laughter, delicious food, and homemade pies.

She was a skilled cake decorator. She would check with the birthday person to get their personal order for their special cake. If you asked for it, you were sure to get it because she liked to make dreams come true. She made cakes for all occasions, including for weddings. And somehow, despite the stress of being the mother of the bride, she managed to make beautiful wedding cakes for her girls.

Mom grew up poor, and had very few clothes, but she had a hunch that she might be able to have more clothes if she could learn to sew. And so it was with great determination that she set about to develop another talent that she used throughout the years to bless her family. There wasn’t anything she couldn’t make, including coats, graduation outfits, prom and wedding dresses. They were always beautiful.

Mom was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints her whole life, and she always set an example of helping others in need. She served in many positions in the church, but her favorite callings were working with the children in the Primary Organization. She served as the Primary Pianist, Counselor, and as the Primary President. Mom loved to have children around her, and they loved to be around her because she knew how to have fun.

As we carry on without her, we will take with us the memories that she helped us to create. Our yearly camping trips to the High Sierras will always be held in special reverence. Mom loved the majestic mountains–the rivers, the lakes, and looking at the moon and the stars at night. She loved being in nature and being able to share it with her family. We know that she is enjoying the beauty of God’s creations with her view from Heaven, surrounded by her sweetheart Ken, and her loved ones who waited patiently to see her again.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ken, and her brothers, Virgil Jay Fogg, (Jay), and William Terry Fogg, (Bill).

She is survived by her daughters, Diana Gray, (Craig), Nalene Koehler, (Mike), and Alaine (Lainie) Lounsbury. 7 Grandchildren, Kevin Gray, (Ashley), Jenna Luna, (Raul), Allison Vargas, (Stephen), Ian Koehler, (Nancy), Shelby Koehler, (Sapan Doshi), Hayley Parmelee and Matthew Parmelee.

3 Great-Grandchildren, Kamila and Kaden Luna, and Kaylee Vargas. Brother Richard Fogg, (Doris) Sisters Kay Cox, (Jim), and Gail Leuschen, (John). Sister in-laws JoAnn Fogg and Luan Fogg, And many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be on Friday, February 3 ^rd , at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 17660 Carpintero Ave. Bellflower, CA. 90706.

There will be a viewing at 10:00 A.M. to 10:45 A.M. at the church, followed by the funeral services at 11:00 AM.

Burial will be the following day, 2/4, at 11:00 AM, at the Forest Lawn Cemetery, Cypress.

The Family wishes to thank Nimfa and Rey for the excellent care they provided to mom this past year, and for all the times they made her laugh!

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401