Melda Morrill

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        Melda Rasmussen Morrill, age 91, departed this earthly life February 15,2022 at the age of 91. The week prior to her death she was surrounded by loved ones and friends at her home in Neola, Utah.
    Her husband of 70 years, Lawrence G. Morrill preceded her in death on August 24, 2019. They are survived by four children: Laura or Laurie Pinegar (Rich), Dr. L. Lynn Morrill (Therena), Martin “Marty” Rulon Morrill, and Ellen Drummond (Bryan).  They have 10 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.
    Melda was born October 18, 1930, to Rulon Howell and Mary Ann “Mamie” Rasmussen in Lapoint, Utah, where she was one of 12 children growing up on the family farm. She is survived by 5 siblings: Elvin Rasmussen (Sharrie), Vella Glines (Morgan), Douglas Rasmussen (Glee), Ray Rasmussen (Carol), and Doyle Rasmussen (Diana).
    Melda married Lawrence Morrill on December 18,1949 in the Salt Lake Temple. They lived in Logan, Utah while attending USU; Ithaca, New York where Lawrence earned a doctorate degree in soil chemistry; and then in North Ogden. The family eventually moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma in 1966 where Lawrence became a professor of Agronomy at Oklahoma State University. They remained in Stillwater until his retirement, and then moved to Neola, Utah where Melda was once again near her beloved siblings. Throughout her life, Melda dedicated herself as a loving mother and a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
    Melda was happiest when spending time with family members. Her favorite vacation destination was the annual Rasmussen family reunion. 
Melda has left her family a legacy of unconditional love. She was generous with her time, talents, and money, reaching out to loved ones, friends, and those who were discouraged or distressed. She loved babies and children of all ages and never failed to come alive with a happy smile when they came to visit. 
    She instilled a legacy of music in the hearts of her family. As a child, she often sang with her sisters, and taught herself how to play the piano. She sang in many trios and choirs and wrote original music and lyrics for road shows and church parties. She loved to organize and lead a children’s singing group that she dubbed “The Sunshine Singers”. She sewed their costumes and booked their performances at nursing homes, hospitals and church events, and often recruited her grandchildren into the group.  She was a favorite piano player at family and church gatherings because she played by ear and could pitch a song in any key the vocalists might want. Melda always encouraged her children and grandchildren to develop their own musical talents and was their biggest cheerleader.
    Melda found beauty in nature, and loved to camp in the mountains, walk in the woods and see the autumn leaves change colors. She found joy in watching baby calves in the spring fields, sitting outside in the swing watching the sunset, and taking walks with her family.
    The greatest legacy Melda leaves behind is her testimony of Jesus Christ and her faith in God’s eternal plan. This faith was formed in her childhood and became the anchor of her life. She instilled in her family the values she learned by both precept and example.
    Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 21, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Neola Chapel.  A viewing will be held that morning from 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.
    Burial in the Tridell Cemetery.