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In Loving Memory Of
Phyllis Merlene Hendricks
1945—2025-06-06
Life & Legacy
Phyllis Merlene Hendricks
May 7, 1945 — June 6, 2025
Grantsville
Phyllis Merlene Hendricks (née Eastin), known to family and friends as Merlene, 80, of Grantsville, Utah, passed away on June 6, 2025, surrounded by family and loved ones.
Born on May 7, 1945, in Moab, Utah, Merlene was the youngest child of Virgil and Bertha Eastin. She was known for her kindness and warm smile.
Merlene dedicated her life to caring for others and raised three children: George Hill, Phyllis (Georgie) Mueller, and Brandon Okerlund. She was a beloved grandmother to twelve grandchildren and had the joy of eleven great-grandchildren. Her greatest joy was spending time with family, especially playing games, and she cherished every moment spent with them.
Merlene’s love extended beyond her family to all animals. She had a special fondness for animals of all kinds and found comfort and companionship in their presence throughout her life.
Merlene was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and found great joy in attending the temple, where she strengthened her faith and found peace and inspiration.
Throughout her career, Merlene compassionately cared for the elderly at the Bannock Regional Nursing Home and the Ashton Living Center until her retirement. After retiring, she chose to be closer to her family, a reflection of her deep love and devotion.
In her free time, Merlene loved spending time on her “wheeler,” exploring the entire greater Yellowstone area. She delighted in the beauty of the outdoors and made countless memories on her adventures.
Merlene is survived by her children—George Hill, Phyllis (Georgie) Mueller, and Brandon Okerlund—along with her twelve grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and other family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her eternal companion, Gerry Hendricks, her parents, and her siblings.
A memorial service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 81 Church Street, Grantsville, UT, on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM Mountain Time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the ASPCA (https://www.aspca.org/) in Merlene’s honor.
Merlene’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
May 7, 1945 — June 6, 2025
Grantsville
Phyllis Merlene Hendricks (née Eastin), known to family and friends as Merlene, 80, of Grantsville, Utah, passed away on June 6, 2025, surrounded by family and loved ones.
Born on May 7, 1945, in Moab, Utah, Merlene was the youngest child of Virgil and Bertha Eastin. She was known for her kindness and warm smile.
Merlene dedicated her life to caring for others and raised three children: George Hill, Phyllis (Georgie) Mueller, and Brandon Okerlund. She was a beloved grandmother to twelve grandchildren and had the joy of eleven great-grandchildren. Her greatest joy was spending time with family, especially playing games, and she cherished every moment spent with them.
Merlene’s love extended beyond her family to all animals. She had a special fondness for animals of all kinds and found comfort and companionship in their presence throughout her life.
Merlene was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and found great joy in attending the temple, where she strengthened her faith and found peace and inspiration.
Throughout her career, Merlene compassionately cared for the elderly at the Bannock Regional Nursing Home and the Ashton Living Center until her retirement. After retiring, she chose to be closer to her family, a reflection of her deep love and devotion.
In her free time, Merlene loved spending time on her “wheeler,” exploring the entire greater Yellowstone area. She delighted in the beauty of the outdoors and made countless memories on her adventures.
Merlene is survived by her children—George Hill, Phyllis (Georgie) Mueller, and Brandon Okerlund—along with her twelve grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and other family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her eternal companion, Gerry Hendricks, her parents, and her siblings.
A memorial service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 81 Church Street, Grantsville, UT, on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM Mountain Time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the ASPCA (https://www.aspca.org/) in Merlene’s honor.
Merlene’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Memory Wall
In Honor & Remembrance
ESTHER HALL
You had chickens in the house and they never seemed to like George and that Brandon fishing with a string and hook,no worm and catching fish.
Jun 15, 2025
Brittany Feeney.
You were the coolest and most loving grandma anyone could have asked for. You were the first person to accept me for how I was. You didn’t judge me.. you loved me through it. You even joined in on the goofy side of me no one els understood. You tied a bandana to your head along side me as we took the four wheelers up the mountain and I will cherish that memory. Best day a grandchild could have with their grandparent. My dad always said I am a spitting image of you in body build and in spirit. And I take that as the greatest compliment. I couldn’t hurt a fly and no one quite understands that. But every living thing, no matter how small deserves life… and I get that from you.. I feel you in my spirit more now than I ever have. And as I get older, I hope to one day transfer this part of us into someone els…You are loved and always will be. And I will miss you deeply.
Jun 13, 2025
RaeAnn Brown
I know our parents are together now she has waited a long time to be with my dad. We are thinking about you, health issues prevents us to travel but know we care,
Jun 13, 2025
Sandy Hinds
My Merlene is what I called her! We met at our lung Dr's office where she overheard me telling my nurse the story of losing my 31/2 month old Granddaughter Briauna and less than 19 months later, my husband, Mike! She was touched by my extreme grief and debated if she should talk to me, thinking I may think her Crazy! Well, we thanked God all the time that He got her to approach me! The love and compassion she emanated touched my heart so much at the perfect time to bring us together as lifelong friends! We felt as if we had known eachother forever! We got together everytime we could! Lunch out, her making lunch. Movies out, movies at her place! I turned her on to the Marvel Universe where she fell in love with Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy! We were inseparable until she had to move to Utah from our places in CA. She was so grateful for Brandon and Wendy for taking her in, and being with family! Talking so much of her Grandson Brighton and her greatest joy of her little Harvey! She loved her pup Sweetie who made a fast friend of me by jumping in my lap the very first time I was at Merlene's House! She told me that never happened ever before! Her very favorite animal she told me was the elephant for their poaching plight and the love and compassion they showed for their lost ones! Just like she did for me when we first met! Our friendship grew into us being eachother's bestest friends ever! We even talked on the phone after separation for 4 to 5 hours at a time! I will love and appreciate My Merlene forever! My heart that is left here will miss her always, but know she is happy and safe away from pain and hardship, now! And part of my heart is with her now! Thank you so much, Dear Father for bringing this beautiful, loving and caring person into my life! Thank You for the time you gave us!
Jun 12, 2025
Sandy Hinds
I had to include this last pic I got from My Merlene the Sunday before she passed! I will always regret not calling her that day! Love you, My Merlene!
Jun 12, 2025
Brian J. Schlote
My deepest condolences & hugs to her Son George & the entire extended family!
Jun 10, 2025