Obituary: CASPER, MERLE

Merle Hobbs Casper1913 ~ 2012Merle Hobbs Casper, last in the family of her generation, died 13 May 2012 in Provo, Utah, of causes incident to age. She was born 29 September 1913 in Murray, Utah, to Edward Stanley and Irene McHenry Hobbs. She lived all her life on Vine Street in Murray. At 16 years of age she graduated from Murray High School and began attending University of Utah, where she eventually received a B.S. degree. She taught at Mountview Elementary School in Jordan School District for 19 years. In 1933 she married Jesse Brady Casper; the marriage was later solemnized in Salt Lake LDS Temple. He died in 1992. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served in Primary, Sunday School, as ward and stake MIA presidents, and as ward historian and newsletter editor. For many years she was treasurer of Murray Women's Club. She wrote several personal, family, ward, and neighborhood histories. She extended her pedigree several generations and traveled with Jess to England to visit her ancestral houses. Grandchildren and great grandchildren near and far looked forward to family visits, gatherings, holidays, and dinners, which until recently she hosted. Her loving, caring, non-judgmental nature made her beloved by all her family and friends. She is survived by daughters Joan (Dean) Barnett and Carol (Ellis) Dye; 10 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and four great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Erva Anderson. Funeral services will be Saturday, 19 May, at 11:00 a.m. at Murray First Ward, 363 East Vine Street, Murray. Viewings will be Friday, 18 May, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 South State Street, Murray, and 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church. Interment will be in Murray City Cemetery, 5480 South Vine Street. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the LDS Church Humanitation Fund or Perpetual Education Fund or to the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation at http://bbrfoundation.org.orne.