Merle Louise DeWitt

Merle Louise Peterson DeWitt passed away peacefully March 21, 2015 at her son's home in St. George, Utah surrounded by her family, age 91.  She was the daughter of Elizabeth Maude Coshell and John Henry Peterson. She was born in Madera, CA. on January, 7, 1924. Merle is survived by her loving husband, Robert De Witt; sister Alene (John), Van Nuys, Ca. daughter Nancy Louise McDaniel (Harold),  Mill Valley, Ca., sons Charles Edward (Kimberly) Meinkey, of St George, Utah, and Gary Arthur Gibson, of San Luis Obispo (Carlsbad), Ca. She was preceeded in death by her son, Fredrick Dale Gibson.  A devoted wife, sister, mother, grand-mother and great-great grandmother; Merle enjoyed an active, lively and healthy lifestyle. She loved to travel, all over the world, sailing on cruises, relaxing at Calistoga Spa, hiking to the lower Yosemite Falls last June, and enjoying her Danish heritage in the quaint town of Solvang, Ca. She loved swimming, dancing, singing, bicycling and walking on the beach. An accomplished artist, she painted porcelain China dishes, oil paintings, drawing, and she was a wonderful seamstress.  Merle enjoyed family traditions, reunions, hosting Holiday dinners every Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and birthdays, all made by her in her kitchen. A student of the graduating Class of 1941 at Venice High School, in Venice, Ca. She was a true Californian! A proud third generation of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, she participated in Church genealogy, kept family history and records, and family photo albums of her large family.  Merle lived her life to the fullest; she was active every day and felt extremely fortunate to have made so many close and lasting friendships. She was a loving, caring and generous woman.   Family and friends gathered to attend Memorial services on March 27, 2015 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, in Sylmar, Ca.  Interment was at Oakwood Memorial Park, in Chatsworth, Ca.