Merrill Lyn Packer Hiller

November 15, 1943, to July 25, 2021 

Merrill Lyn was born November 15, 1943, in Salt Lake City, UT to Dr. Preston Merrill Packer and Ruth Louise Berrett Packer, both deceased. She was raised in Salt Lake City, UT, Austin, TX, Norfolk, VA, Ogden, UT, Schertz, Tx and Blackfoot, ID. She attended both Brigham Young University and the University of Utah. She married Melvin Jackson Hiller in the Idaho Falls Temple on June 23, 1964. Melvin and Lyn shared 57 years together.  Together they had seven children, two died in infancy.  They raised five children who blessed them with 19 grandchildren, each of whom know they are her only favorite.

Lyn had a gift for writing and has kept detailed journals throughout her life. She shared her gift for journaling with many others as she helped them learn the craft. She has authored a book entitled “Imperfectly Wrapped” which features her journey through the birth and death of her first son, Richard Melvin Hiller, who died as an infant. Her memoir is titled “My Dot!” which is a personal history and includes her personal life and beliefs. Free copies available by request.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, she served in many church callings, both Ward and Stake Relief Society presidencies and in various positions in young women and primary organizations. She was stake relief society president during the historic Farmington Floods in 1983. She served a couple’s mission with her husband Melvin Hiller, to both LDS Employment Agency and the New Jersey Morristown Mission spending 17 months serving the Stafford Branch in Manahawkin, NJ. Lyn was always available to those in need and had a gift of caring, counseling and loving all. Many came to her for help, advice, counsel, and love which she freely gave, and she always put others first.  She always made everyone the most special person. 

 Approximately one year after returning from her mission, she was diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma brain tumor.  She asked to be blessed with strength and courage as she faced this last chapter.  As with everything in her life she handled it with grace and dignity.  She kept her focus on others to the very end as she always has.  Lyn passed in her sleep on Sunday morning July 25, 2021, at the age of 77.  A common phrase she used in her life, “Well, there you have it!”

 Family:

 Lyn served as a second mother to her siblings and is survived by: Dr. Preston Berrett Packer (Kathie), Rebecca Putnam (Gregory), Ruth Ann Rose (Michael), Thomas Packer (Sandy), Reed Packer (Deana), Dr. Scott Michael Packer (Andrea) and Dora Rachel Packer. 

 Lyn will be missed greatly by her husband, Melvin Jackson Hiller, and her children: Sarah Williams (Bruce), Audrey Hiller, Jenny Hulce, Jason Hiller (Heather) and Andrew Hiller (Rani). 

 Lyn is loved and called Maga/Grandma by her grandchildren: Auray Lyn Busulwa (Peter), Maree Beach (Preston), Josseline Kelley (Christian), Tucker Williams, Kendra Hurst, Talon Hurst, Kohl Hurst, Max Hurst, Jack Hulce, Dane Hulce, Zoe Hulce, Dylan Hiller, Brooklyn Bailey (Joe), Ashlyn Hiller, Ethyn Hiller, Claire Hiller, Drake Hiller, Grayson Hiller, Hannah Hiller. 

 Lyn was preceded in death by sons, Richard Melvin Hiller, and Christopher Jackson Hiller.

 Viewing to be held:

Russon Mortuary, 1941 N Main, Farmington, Utah 84025

Friday, July 30, 2021, 6:00 – 8:00pm 

Viewing and Funeral services to be held: 

LDS Rock Chapel, 272 N Main Street, Farmington, Utah 84025

Viewing:  Saturday, July 31, 2021, 9:00 – 9:45am 

Service:  Saturday, July 31, 2021, 10:00am