MARJORIE STEPHENS MERRILL MCDANIEL

NOVEMBER 6, 1924- November 28, 2025

It is with joy and sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Marjorie Stephens Merrill McDaniel, on Nov. 28, 2025.  She had recently celebrated her 101st. birthday.

Marjorie was the youngest child born to Ambrose Pond Merrill and Lydia Morgan Stephens Merrill, on November 6, 1924, Ogden, Utah.

Marjorie was raised and attended, all but one year, schools in Odgen, Utah. After HS graduation, she attended Weber State College, University of Utah, and Teachers College, Columbia University of New York. It was there at Columbia, that she met her husband, Juell H. McDaniel. She graduated with AA degree, BS degree and MA degrees in Physical education.

Marjorie began her teaching career at the University of Utah and Weber State University in dance. Over the next 40 years, she certified and taught in many areas of education, to include dance, library and media science, kindergarten and special education.

A lifelong learner, Marjorie excelled in multiple disciplines. She was an accomplished pianist, a gifted and talented modern dancer, choreographer and master teacher. Her signature piano piece was Chopin’s, Fantasy Impromptu, and signature dance was “The Jabberwocky”. She studied dance with the legendary Martha Graham; was an original dancer in the premier 1947 performance of Promised Valley and achieved accomplishments too lengthy to list. Whether it was baking, crocheting, award winning oil painting, ceramics, good nutrition, exercise, or developing technology skills, her drive to excel and learn manifested in any and every task she undertook.

A devoted, life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ, of Latter-day-Saints and a descendent of pioneers, Marjorie also pioneered. A US Airforce wife, mother of eight, she infused into the fabric of her home, her unwavering witness of the Savior, Jesus Christ. She was regarded as a master scriptorian, powerful gospel doctrine instructor, and dedicated temple worker. Over the years she served in multiple callings, many simultaneously. No matter the miles to drive, the scriptures to ponder, Marjorie served and devoted her life to the Lord.

“I want my family to know that I have a strong testimony of Jesus Christ. The Lord has filled my life through many jobs and service to him.”

Preceded in death by parents and siblings. Survived by her 8 children, Lydia, Helen, Kathryn, Margie, Robin, Susan, Jack and Jill. Twenty-seven grandchildren, and 57 great grandchildren.  

Graveside service December 12 at 2 pm, Richmond, Utah cemetery

Live stream:

Topic: Marjorie McDaniel Funeral

Time: Dec 12, 2025 01:45 

PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Zoom Meeting ID: 822 8428 2067

Passcode: 557752