Carolyn Ruth Merz Black

November 17, 1931  ~ June 12, 2018 
Carolyn Ruth Merz Black passed away on Tuesday, June 12, 2018  in Blanding, UT. 
She was born November 17, 1931 to Matthew and Myrtle Redshaw Merz in Panora, IA.  She was the eleventh daughter of 13 children.  She had nine sisters and three brothers.   
When Carolyn was two years old, the family loaded a small house onto a flatbed trailer and moved to Ucolo, CO where her Granddad Redshaw was homesteading.  Her father was a dry farmer and could produce an amazing garden. 
She lived on the farm and attended a one-room schoolhouse until she was 13 years old.  At that time, she left her parents and moved to Blanding to attend junior high and high school.  
This is where she was first introduced to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  She attended seminary where Albert R. Lyman was her teacher.  He taught her the importance of keeping a journal, which she kept throughout her life.   
She met her sweetheart, Calvin Black, when she was in high school.  She moved to Dove Creek, CO to complete her senior year and graduated from Dove Creek High School.  
She and Calvin were married September 8, 1949 at his parent’s home in Blanding. 
She was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on October 9, 1951. 
They lived in Blanding until Calvin was drafted into the army. They moved to New Jersey and then Japan where he was stationed.  After serving in the military, they returned to Blanding to make their home.   
They worked hard to live and raise their six wonderful children in Blanding.  Carolyn was by Calvin’s side supporting him in everything he did, whether it was his business dealings or his political endeavors.  
Carolyn loved spending time outdoors. Throughout her life she also enjoyed crocheting, painting, and drawing; rock hunting, 4-wheeling, and RZRing; jet skiing, reading, and watching sports (Jazz and 49ers).
She loved her iPad and cell phone, which allowed her to keep in touch with family and friends on social media.  She was a texting grandma. She and her grandkids texted back and forth every day. 
Her favorite thing to do was spending time with her family.  She always loved being with Calvin, her six children, 24 grandchildren, and 43 great-grandchildren. She had a special relationship with each one.   
Carolyn and Calvin were sealed for time and all eternity in the St. George LDS Temple on December 15, 1989. 
She served as a board member of the San Juan Foundation and chairman of the Calvin Black Memorial Scholarship Committee and was active in the Chamber of Commerce and SPEAR. 
She received an honorary doctorate degree from the College of Eastern Utah San Juan Campus for her involvement in the community. 
Carolyn is survived by two sisters, Ella Leffel and Nadine Schear, along with five of her children, Laurie (Kerby) Black of Las Vegas, NV; Alan “Buddy” (Luanna) Black of Blanding; Callie (Mike) Christensen of Blanding; Merri (Shane) Shumway of Blanding; and Daniel (Brandee) Black of Springville, UT.   
She is preceded in death by her husband, Calvin; a daughter, Susan; and a grandson, Luke.   
Funeral services were held Monday, June 18, 2018 in Blanding with interment in the Blanding Cemetery.
Card of thanks
The family of Carolyn would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and other medical staff who took such good care of her during her illness.  A special thanks also to the San Juan Mortuary for their kindness and care.  
We would like to thank all of Carolyn’s family, friends, and all the wonderful people of Blanding who shared thoughts, feelings, and prayers and helped with food.

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