Merilyn Smith

Albuquerque, NM

Merilyn Smith passed away peacefully on August 27, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at her daughter’s home in Albuquerque, NM. She was a beloved mother who touched the lives of many with her strength, intelligence, and compassion. Merilyn was selfless in her devotion to her family, and she was a person of great significance to all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Merilyn was born on December 18, 1935, in Banks, ND, to Arleton and Alice (Gunderson) Sax. She married James Smith in 1954, and they had three children. They lived in Sacramento, CA, where James worked for the State of California. They returned to New Town, ND in 1959 where they ranched and farmed. After retiring, they moved to Valley City, where they lived until moving to Albuquerque in July of 2018. James passed away in August of 2019.

Merilyn is survived by her children, Delores (Tommy Carrion) Albuquerque, NM, Leighton (Dianne) Valley City, ND, and Melinda (Esley) Bismarck, ND; grandchildren, Nicholas (Melise) Pederson, Nathan (Angela) Pederson of Albuquerque, Kylie (Orlando) Anderson and Trierre Smith of Green Bay, WI, Madison Smith and Esley (Ellie) Thorton of Fargo, ND, and Matthew (Pam) Thorton and Rhannon (Laiken) Thorton of Bismarck; great-grandchildren, Kinley, Eve, and Finn Thorton of Bismarck, Cale Ludwig and Esley Thorton, Jr. of Fargo, and Kashton and Jevyn Anderson of Green Bay.

Merilyn’s family would like to thank Dr. Pinon, Tara, Beckie, Graciela and all the staff of Roadrunner Hospice for the care she received.

She will forever be remembered in our hearts. There will be a private family burial later in New Town, North Dakota.

(Langhans Funeral Home, Parshall www.langhansfuneralhome.com.

Published by The Minot Daily News, August 31, 2024.