Our beloved M. Ross Mertlich passed away at his home surrounded by his family during the early morning hours of Monday, September 26, 2016 from complications related to cancer.  Ross was 66 years old.

Ross was a great man whose actions and character aligned with what he taught his family. His humor, wisdom, patience, humility, and the sense of peace that accompanied him will be missed and emulated by those that loved and knew him. Ross’s greatest legacy is his children and grandchildren. His knowledge, stories, and jokes will be passed down, shared and cherished. He is a hero to many and an example of true Christlike love.

Ross is survived by his beautiful bride of 43 years, Julie Judd Bennion Mertlich; children, Jaime Staker (Burke), Tyler Mertlich (Jennifer), Rebecca Albright (Joel), and Neil Mertlich (Jessica); siblings, JoAnn Lyon (Mike), Kent Mertlich (Vickie), and Shawna Anderson (Brad).  Papa Ross leaves behind seven mostly well-behaved grandchildren, twins on the way, a couple wild dogs, a boat, and Kubota tractor.

Ross dedicated his life to his family and service.  Ross’s service included various teaching and leadership positions in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, civic leadership, and volunteer roles in Roy and the Ogden Valley. A Founder and Board Member of the Community Foundation of Ogden Valley (CFOV), long standing Chairman of Liberty Park, and Liberty Days and generously supported many local charities.  The CFOV would like to specifically recognize the many contributions and significant difference made by Ross.  Ross’s friendly manner and great sense of humor brought together people from many different backgrounds and united them in caring for and improving his much-loved Ogden Valley.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer a small donation to causes Ross actively supported. These include the CFOV made at www.cfogdenvalley.org or the Utah Hemophilia Foundation supporting his grandson at www.hemophiliautah.org.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 30, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Huntsville Stake Center Chapel, 6500 East 1900 North, Eden.  Friends and family are welcome to join in the celebration of Ross on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd.  and Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.  Interment, Liberty City Cemetery.

Ross would have protested such a long and wordy obituary and the attention his family believes he has earned. Thumbs up!