Merlene S. Bright

Our beloved mother, Glenna Merlene (Shields) Bright returned to her Heavenly Father peacefully on June 29, 2025, at the age of 90, surrounded by her family.

Merlene was born in Pine Canyon, Tooele, Utah to Ellis Shields and Dorothy Sagers on October 3, 1934. The eldest of four children, she grew up in Bountiful Utah, and graduated from Davis High School, and Utah State University. After college, Merlene worked as a school teacher and school librarian and married Donald Bright in the Salt Lake Temple in 1960. They later moved to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada to pursue Donald's career. 

Merlene had four children and worked in hospital administration. Merlene was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, and lived a life of faith and service, holding numerous positions in Young Women's and Relief Society over the years. 

After divorcing and retiring, she moved back to her beloved Bountiful, Utah, where she lived for the rest of her life. She was active in her church ward, and loved doing Ordinance work at the Bountiful Temple.

Merlene had a dry sense of humor and was always making jokes with everyone around her. She enjoyed traveling, taking trips with her daughter to the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe and the South Pacific. She was devoted to her children and church, enjoyed growing houseplants, going to movies with her friends, collecting rocks, and watching game shows.

Merlene is survived by her two brothers, Russell and Gary, her sister Lynne Versluis, her children, Jeffrey, Jill, Jordon and Jason, four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

Merlene was a kind and selfless soul and will be missed by all who knew her. 

The family wishes to thank the amazing staff at Legacy House Bountiful, Oakridge Assisted Living Bountiful, and Ashley Olsen and the dedicated Inspiration Hospice staff for their kind and loving care.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 7, 2025 at the Bountiful City Cemetery, 2224 South 200 West, Bountiful, Utah.Visitation will be held at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, Sunday, July 6, 2025 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm and also Monday, July 7, 2025 from 9:30-10:30 am. prior to the graveside.