Myrle Ann Dayhuff

Myrle was born on February 12, 1931, to Wendell and Fern McDermaid. She was born the old-fashioned way, on the kitchen table in her parent’s home in downtown Salt Lake. She was raised in Tremonton, Utah, and the Avenues neighborhood of Salt Lake City. She attended Salt Lake schools and graduated from West High School.

She attended the University of Utah and studied elementary education. One evening during her early college years, she and her girlfriend were on their way to a Church roller-skating party when they spotted two handsome young men standing on a corner.  They drove around the block and invited them to the party. One of those young men was Richard Dayhuff. Originally from Michigan, he was studying at the University of Utah on a naval scholarship. He was quite taken by this cute, spunky blonde. She was quite taken by him as well. This was the beginning of a 69-year relationship.

Through the example of Myrle and her family, Richard became interested in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on March 15th, 1951. She became a homemaker and supported Richard in a variety of career opportunities, and of note, a 28-year career with the Marine Corp. They were affectionately known by the family as “The Colonel and the Bride.”

Myrle became the mother of 8 children and was happiest in her home raising her children. She had many passions in life including art (oil painting), gardening, book club, friends, travel, family history and temple work, and a morning exercise group. Her greatest passion was caring for Richard and nurturing her children and grandchildren. She was also a ‘temporary mom’ to numerous young people who needed a place to call home for short periods. In her later years, she found it difficult to remember where each grandchild or great-grandchild belonged in her family tree, but she always greeted them with great love and affection. Her delight in little ones was apparent. She loved their visits and showered them with many hugs and kisses.

For 58 years, Myrle lived in the same house on Wasatch Drive in Salt Lake City. She was an active part of the Monument Park 13th ward and served in many callings. She was a gatherer of people regardless of background or beliefs.  She was known for the many neighborhood summer parties which she hosted in her backyard.

In November of 2020, she moved to Legacy House in Bountiful and made many new friends. She found great purpose in doing what she could for those around her; being a friend, holding a hand, listening to stories, sharing a meal, and helping anyone in need. She loved to seek out new residents and made sure they felt welcomed in their new home.

Myrle was loving and kind, regularly silly and playful, and always cheerful and happy.  She will be remembered for her unconditional love for all, her welcoming arms and heart, and her love of God and her Savior. In her final hours, she sang along with Annette, as best she could, “I Know that My Redeemer Lives”. She had pure faith in Jesus Christ and His plan for us. She had long looked forward to a reunion with her sweetheart, Richard. She has left us with many happy, funny, faith-filled memories.

She loved to look at the many pictures of family, the temple and of Jesus Christ, which hung in her room at Legacy House. She would say, “This is my life, this is what I believe, and this is what I love.” She leaves a tremendous legacy for all of us.

She was preceded in death by her husband Richard and son, Steven (Terry). She is survived by her children: Kathy (Bob) Fairbanks, Terry Dayhuff (daughter-in-law), Craig Dayhuff, David (Ruth) Dayhuff, Laraine (Bill) Moon, Neil Dayhuff, Elizabeth (Sam) Beall, Annette (Jed) Ludlow. She has 33 grandchildren, 71 great-grandchildren with four more on the way.

A special thank you to the wonderful staff of Legacy House of Bountiful.  Her last two years living there were filled with joy.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 7, 2023, at Russon Mortuary, 295 N. Main Street, Bountiful, Utah, where a viewing will be held from 12:15-1:45 p.m. prior to services. Interment at Sunset Lawn Cemetery, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary & Crematory Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin about 10-15 minutes prior to the services and will be posted below.