Merelynn Stephens Hunzeker, 55, returned to the fold of her Heavenly Father on Jan. 14, 2005, surrounded by loved ones and friends. She was born Feb. 23, 1949, to William Myrle and Ina Adams Stephens in Soda Springs, Idaho. She graduated from Montpelier High School, and a year later married the love of her life, Dennis Hunzeker in the Logan, Utah, Temple on Feb. 6, 1969.

Merelynn loved animals, and especially horseback riding. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many positions in the church. She worked at the California/Oregon Trail Center and loved to visit Yellowstone National Park.

Merelynn is survived by her husband, Dennis, three sons, Stephen (Megan), David and Armando (Jocelyn) all of Montpelier, two daughters, Tashiya Whitey of Phoenix, Ariz., and Sophia Hunzeker of Montpelier; 10 grandchildren, three brothers and two sisters, James (JoAnn) Stephens of Ogden, Utah, Darren (Eva) Stephens of Alexandria, Virginia, Rick (Kathy) Batara of Los Alomitas, Calif., Fern Rogers of Ogden, Utah, and Belle (Don) Lewis of Evanston, Wyo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Stephanie, and two brothers, Donald Stephens and Billy Jo Batara.

Funeral services were Jan. 18, 2005 in the Montpelier First Ward Chapel, 485 S. 7th St.