LOGAN, UTAH: Merrill J. Roberts, husband, father, grandfather, District Forest Ranger and Rancher stepped into eternity Friday, August 10, 2007, following a short illness, to be greeted by his darling wife DeVona, his parents, grandparents, and wonderful friends.

Merrill, also know as M.J., was born Sep 1924 in American Fork, Utah, to Ralph and Maude Roberts. His never-ending love of the outdoors began as a toddler growing up in the family sheep business. At the age of nine, having been impressed with the government trapper who would visit their camp during his experiences with the sheep, M.J. determined he wanted to pursue a career in forestry.

As a young man, M.J. served in World War II. After returning from the service, M.J. began his academic pursuits at Utah State University, College of Natural Resources. When he met the pretty, dark-haired DeVona Harward, he quickly fell head-over-heals and they married in the LDS Salt Lake Temple on a beautiful August day in 1945. In time, the household grew to seven children; Trist, Debra (Dan), Dana (Janet), Pamela (Duane), Marcia (Wade), Earl (Mary) and Harvey.

After graduating in 1947 from U.S.U., M.J. began his career as an Agricultural Aide, advancing to the position of District Ranger for the Nephi District of the Uinta National Forest, where he served for seven years. His next assignment as District Ranger for the Wasatch-Cache National Forrest lasted for twenty years.

M.J. retired from his Forestry career in 1984 to pursue his life’s dream of owning a ranch, acquiring a little patch of heaven in Cache Valley and putting cattle on it and farming the land which also seemed to provide an aviary-like reserve for many species of beautiful birds.

In between all the children, forestry, hay-hauling and cattle, M.J. faithfully served in the LDS church serving various callings as High-Priest Secretary, Scout Master, Counselor, Bishop, and High councils. His hobbies were numerous; wood working, lapidary, oil / water color painting, fly-tying, motorcycling, hunting pheasants to buffalo, fishing any and every good fishing hole (especially Strawberry Reservoir) and playing and jostling about with the grandchildren whom him he loved dearly.

Loved ones who preceded M.J. in death include his loving companion DeVona Harward, his parents Ralph and Maude Roberts, and his brother Max Roberts who died during his youth.

Merrill is survived by his seven children, (mentioned above), his brothers Ralph Eugene (Flecia) Roberts of Fall Brook, CA and Glade W. (Dora) Roberts of Missoula, MO.

Having lived life to it’s fullest; M.J. will leave a legacy and loving memories for his children, 24 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. We love you dad and grandpa – “Happy Trails to you till we meet again.”

Funeral services will be held Wed, Aug 15, 2007 at the Logan 2nd Ward chapel, 89 S. 200 W., at 11:00 a.m. A viewing for family and friends is scheduled for Tuesday between 6-8 p.m. at Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 E. Center, with a viewing at the church Wednesday 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., prior to services. Interment will be in the Logan City Cemetery.

The family would like to acknowledge and give special thanks to the professional and compassionate IHC Hospice staff; in particular, Ben, Dodie and Shannon. We also express special appreciation to M.J.’s Physician, Jeffrey Huffman, for his exceptional care and dedication to M.J.’s health and quality of life.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at Allen Mortuaries.