February 20, 1943 to April 18, 2023
For 2,974 days, Dad had only one wish as he watched the sand slowly run through his hourglass. In the early morning hours on April 18, 2023, the sand in his hourglass ran out. We loved him dearly and find comfort in knowing he has been reunited with the love of his life, our mom, and his wish has come true. Dad is right where he wants to be.
Merrill D. Rasmussen was born on Feb. 20, 1943, in Ballard, Utah. He was the tenth of 11 children born to Farrell and Verda Elder Rasmussen.
Merrill was, for lack of a better word, a player until he met his sweetheart, Gwen Marie Crow. They were married at the city hall building in Salt Lake City on July 26, 1962, and later their marriage was solemnized in the Provo Temple on July 26, 1990. They resided in Roosevelt, Utah, where they raised their children.
Dad loved to socialize. He had the gift of gab. He would start conversations with perfect strangers and walk away as friends. His engaging personality along with the ability to sell “ocean front property” led to a successful sales career in the oil fields.
After his retirement, dad and mom spent many years as camp hosts traveling all over Utah, Arizona, Idaho and Montana. This was something they both enjoyed very much. During these years, several grandchildren were born and they moved back to the Basin to be close to their family.
Dad was devastated when his sweetheart passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 22, 2015. As his health deteriorated and he needed around the clock care, there was always a grandkid willing to move in and take care of Grandpa. He formed very close bonds with his grandchildren the last eight years of his life. He truly loved each and every one of them. They will forever remember grandpa’s Donald Duck impressions and will always fear the trolls under the bridge.
Thank you, Grandpa, for the many memories we will never forget.
Merrill is survived by his children, Teri Potter, Toni (Brent) Cook, Kevin Rasmussen and John (Marielen) Hillyard-Bigby; grandchildren, Ashlee Stringham, Jodie (Jeremy) Jensen, Jennifer Olsen, Shoni Cook, Travis Cook, Wade (Amanda) Cook, Kaydee Cook, Jaron Rasmussen, Brayden Rasmussen, Jayden (Donald) Maldonado, Ashley Staats, Jessica Bigby, Vance Bigby and Helayna Bigby; extra grandchildren, Stony Murdock, Jason Sloan and Joshua Smuin; 31 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Lynn Rasmussen, Barbara Wolff and Reed Rasmussen; and his dog, Buddy, who misses him very much.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Gwen Rasmussen; Cindy Ann Hillyard (daughter); Rory Potter (son-in-law); Shaina Bigby (granddaughter); Farrell and Verda Rasmussen (parents); siblings; Jay, Lenes, Jack, Lurrine Brodrick, Mark, Earl and Carollee Rich; and his beloved dog, Chancy.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 22 at the Vernal 5th and 9th ward chapel located at 250 N. 200 W., Vernal, Utah. There will be a viewing one hour prior to services with burial in the Roosevelt City Cemetery under the direction of Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.