Merla Gay Powell was born April 28, 1943 to Henry W. and Merla Nelson Rigby of Pegram, Idaho. “Gay,” as she was known to everyone, attended school in Montpelier. A ranchers daughter she loved riding her horse through Pegram.

After graduating high school, She attended the University of Utah in Logan, where she earned a Bachelors Degree in education. She taught high school home economics in Utah.

Her teaching career ended with the birth of her eldest daughter, Christy, who was soon followed by Connie and Carrie. The three girls became her full time adventure for the next four (4) decades. She was a constant source of support for her daughters through both the good and bad times. With the birth’s of seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild, all of which overflowed her cup with pride, joy and happiness. She was a loving caring mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, aunt and a friend.

She was one who never had a cross word to say or the heart to say no. (except when we tried to take her cookies)

She worked several years at Bear Lake Memorial Hospital and Star Valley Medical Center in Dietary.

She had a passion for sewing, crochet, cooking, gardening and reading always working on a quilt top, baking some delicious new recipe or reading. She bound hundreds of quilts for family and friends. During the later part of her life, she was plagued with health issues which couldn’t stop her from teaching and caring for the loves of her life, up to the day before she was called home to be with our Heavenly Father. Her heart was full of faith and hope, her Christ like spirit emulated sincerity gentleness and kindness. She is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints . Her stitches of love always patched everything!

Gay, the trials you endured through tears, sorrow, joy and happiness, the lessons you taught through happiness, joy, tears and sorrow have been passed down and will have a lasting effect on all of us.

Gay was Gloriously reunited in Heaven July 20, 2014 with her family that preceded her in death. Her parents, Henry W. and Merla Rigby, sister JoAnn Galloway and grand daughter Reesie Ann Foster.

Gay is survived by her daughters and their families, Christy and (Mike) Carlson, Granddaughter Grace Carlson, Connie and (Terry) Diedrich, Grandsons Seth M. Diedrich, Tristen T. Diedrich, (Step Grand-Daughters Kylie, Kelsey, Step Great-Granddaughter Brylee, Foster- Grandson Daryl (Engelby) Carrie and (Shane) Foster, Granddaughter Audrey and (Derik) Merritt, great-grandson Trace B. Merritt, Grandson Tate Simpson , Step Grandson Jace Foster, Granddaughter Josie Foster, Sister Sheri R. Solum, Brother Kenneth Rigby (Tamara), Brother Keith Rigby (Lila) and her Little Dog Sweetie.