Logan, UT; Laura Helen Merrill Downs, 87, died on October 20, 2003 in Logan, Utah. She was born on March 15, 1916 in Logan, Utah, the daughter of Claude and Constance Eva Brown Merrill.

She married Parley Authur Downs on November 12, 1935 in Logan, Utah. She was educated in Logan City. She was self-employed for Women’s Ready to Wear.

She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served an LDS mission in Anaheim, California. She was a temple worker in the Logan LDS Temple, and she held various callings in the Church.

She was a member of the Republican Women.

She has lived in Smithfield, Helper, and Logan, Utah. She is survived by two sons and two daughters, A. Merrill (Darla) Downs of Smithfield, Utah; Patsy (N. Lyle) Bradfield of Logan, Utah; Dean (Margaret) Downs of Logan, Utah; Janet (Edwin) Cornia of Layton, Utah, 17 Grandchildren, and 15 Great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Edna Speth of College Ward, Utah, and a brother, Howard Merrill of Zephyrhills, Florida.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Claude Merrill and Constance Eva Brown Merrill; her husband, Parley Authur Downs; a daughter, Dixie Downs; and a sister, Lorriane Kent.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2003 at 12 noon at the Allen-Hall Mortuary with Bishop Dean S. Downs conducting. A viewing will be held on Wednesday evening from 6 - 8 PM at the mortuary and on Thursday from 11:00 - 11:45 AM prior to services. Interment will be in the Logan City Cemetery.