Marilyn Sheriff

Centerville, UT. Marilyn Fullmer Sheriff (90 years) peacefully returned home on March 20, 2020, with her sweetheart Olen Russell Sheriff by her side. Born and raised in Abraham, UT, she was the last to return of John Wesley and Afton Olive Fullmer’s 11 children. She and Olen met after a dance in Delta and were married shortly after she graduated from Hinckley High School. On July 22, 1947 they married in the Manti Temple. She was the mother of 4 children, Russell Guy Sheriff (Ann Schwartz); Zeffie Malline Nelson-Barton (late David G. Nelson IV) (Steve Barton); Merrill Lynn Sheriff (Kathleen Pace); and JaRene Sheriff Evertsen (Mark Evertsen); 18 grandchildren and 66 great grandchildren. Marilyn had a great love for her Savior and served diligently in many callings for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  She especially loved her time serving with the youth in “Mutual”.

Mom was lovingly known by her family and friends as ‘Merk’.  As a child she spent much of her time barefoot in the desert tending sheep where she also taught herself to play the guitar.  She lived next to the Topaz Internment Camp during the war and often told stories of those difficult times.  She loved everything about the west desert, especially hunting and camping with family.  Around the campfire she was the life of the party and included everyone in the fun.  Trips to grandma Fullmer’s house were best when mom drove fast over bumpy dirt roads and stopped for bananas, bubble gum, licorice and grapes.

She was perpetual motion and whistled while she worked.  She could fix anything and taught her children to do the same.  She taught her children how to keep a clean house, make homemade chicken noodle soup, bottle fruit and salsa, and housed and fed anyone who walked through the door.

She had a wonderful sense of humor, a heart-warming crooked smile a cheerful disposition and hands that were always busy. You could often find her stitching us something on her multiple sewing machines.  She sewed prom dresses, wedding dresses and made sure all of her children and grandchildren had a quilt made by her own hands with the help of her friends.  Those dear friends took their mugs for a daily drink run and Fritters on Friday.

Every grandchild thought they were her favorite whether at a sporting event, making fudge, playing cards, making quilts or teaching them songs or poetry.  Yearly family reunions were a priority for her.  She probably single handedly kept Hostess in business with her “granny sack” lunches, and the sandwiches were optional. She often told you if you were out of line, your skirt was too short, or if your hair was hit by an egg beater.  She was heard to say, “I hope you didn’t pay full price for those pants that already came with holes in them”. 

Music was a big part of her life.  She enjoyed singing with family, the church choir, and later sang with the Harmonairs. Her yodeling was the best. In her early life she taught herself to play the piano by ear.  She could sing any tune at any time or recite a poem she created or memorized.  She wrote a beautiful song titled “Utah We Love Thee”. Her absolute best one-liners will be quoted and recalled FOREVER.  She loved our dad, her family and her Savior.  Granny, you will be so missed! 

Due to the Corona Virus Pandemic, graveside services and interment were held at the Centerville City UT Cemetery on March 27, 2020.  In lieu of flowers consider donating blood or money to the American Red Cross.