She was born June 14, 1924, in Downey, Idaho, the daughter of LaVina Anna Rose and Moses Josephat Christiansen.

Mom grew up in Downey, Idaho and graduated from Downey High in 1942. She attended Idaho State University for one year and then went to work for the Army at Fort Douglas in Salt Lake City. In the fall of 1944, she went back to Idaho State University. She returned to Salt Lake where she attended the University of Utah and graduated with high honors in 1947. She taught high school at Murray, Utah, for one year. Her family moved to Idaho Falls in the winter of 1950 and has lived here ever since. She taught at Bonneville High School from 1950 to 1952.

Merle enjoyed living in Idaho Falls and wished to express thanks to an area that provided her a full, happy and gracious life.

She had many happy memories traveling to cities in the U.S. and Canada with her husband.

She served as a Pink Lady at Sacred Heart Hospital for 10 years. She was a past member of Beta Sigma Phi and Beta Epsilon Sororities. She printed Braille pages for Bibles for the blind.

She enjoyed raising flowers, sewing, camping, and water skiing with her family. She was active in PTA, Meals on Wheels, and had been a Cub Scout Leader.

Survivors include, three sons: Lynn C. (Mary) Barsalou, of Longview, WA, Bruce K. (Marcene) Barsalou, of Pocatello, ID, Brian L. (Marie) Barsalou, of Longview, WA. Survivors also include two half sisters: Eva Filler, of Alpine, Utah, and Nellie Christensen, of Downey, Idaho, and 8 Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one son, David Dean Barsalou, three half brothers: Elvin Russell Christiansen and John Modell Christiansen, and Ross Murray, two half sisters: Myrtle Mary Jensen, and Edna Anna Nelsen.

Graveside services will be 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, April 26, 2006, at Fielding Memorial Cemetery in Idaho Falls, under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary.