JoAnn Mertlich Lyon

JoAnn Mertlich Lyon passed away peacefully at home in Taylorsville, Utah on August 16, 2026, at the age of 74, surrounded by loved ones. She passed away from complications related to lifelong challenges with epilepsy.

JoAnn was born on November 9,1951, in Clearfield, Utah to Melvin Mertlich and Ardella Waite Mertlich. She attended Clearfield High School, and continued her education at Weber State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a minor in Child Development and Family Life.

JoAnn served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Florida South Mission. When she returned to Weber State University, she ran into Michael Taylor Lyon who also had served in the same mission, and after a few dates she knew he was the one. JoAnn and Mike were married on August 19, 1976. In their 50 years of marriage, as they experienced challenges and joys, they could always rely on each other. Depending on the day, their five children created some of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Amid it all, JoAnn could always see the sunny side of life - a trademark of her personality.

JoAnn grew up helping her father at Melvin's Shoes which proved useful as she later worked at ZCMI and SAS shoes. She also loved the time spent as an aide in Title I classrooms, where her love for children and desire to help others could shine through.

JoAnn's faith guided her life, and she devoted her time to serving others. JoAnn had an affinity for teaching and interacting with children. She joyfully served in ward and stake primaries, as a teacher, and in presidencies for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for much of her life. She brought joy and laughter to the lives of her own children, playing with them, teaching them, teasing and serving them. Her joy multiplied as she and Mike welcomed 24 grandchildren into their lives.

She served with her husband Mike in ward and stake emergency preparedness callings, helping others prepare to care for their families and communities during times of need. In later years they served as General Service Missionaries at the Salt Lake City Conference Center.

For JoAnn, service was more than simply fulfilling an assignment - it was an expression of the love she carried for her family, her faith, her community, and the people around her. If you knew JoAnn, you knew that serving and sharing food were some of her love languages. She always rooted for the underdog and found purpose in helping others. She gave freely of her time and talents and made friends wherever she went. JoAnn was a creative and artistic person and appreciated the beauty of the world around her. Those who knew her will remember not only the things she accomplished, but also her unique personality, humor, warmth, creativity, and the love she brought into the lives of the people around her. JoAnn's life cannot be measured simply by the years she lived, but by the people she loved, the lives she touched, the children she taught, the service she gave, and the memories she created along the way. Her absence will be deeply felt by her family and by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin Mertlich and Ardella Mertlich; her brother, Ross Mertlich; and her grandson, Parker Lyon.

She leaves behind her husband, Michael, her children, Kristie Scott (Bryan), David (Tanya), Stephen (Cara), Alisha Case (Myron), and Richard (Shannon); her siblings: Kent Mertlich (Vickie) and Shawna Anderson (Brad).

She is also survived by her grandchildren, who brought tremendous love and meaning to her life. They include Miranda (Zak Geddes), Anthony, Miekka (Chance Brundage), Christianne, Brendon, Aryanna, Anneke, Kindra, Andrew, Emily, Grace, Gabrielle, Gemini, Taylor, BreeAnee, Stacie, Ayden, Ryker, Hyrum, Wyatt, Mindy, Hannah, and Macie.

A viewing will be held Friday, August 28, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah. Funeral services will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the LDS Church on 3120 West 4700 South West Valley City, Utah, with a viewing preceding the service from 9:00-9:45 a.m.

Interment will follow at the Kaysville Cemetery, 500 E Crestwood Rd, Kaysville, Utah.