Dorothy LaRene Peterson Merchen Briggs, 71, returned to her Heavenly Father on February 10, 2020 in Layton, Utah after an extended illness.

Born November 26, 1948 in Soda Springs, Idaho; daughter of Grant C. Peterson and Elsie Dorothy Peck Peterson. Dorothy was raised and graduated in Soda Springs, Idaho, where she was baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She married Phillip Merchen in 1966 and together, they owned the Western Auto in Soda Springs, and by 1976 they had adopted four children. They enjoyed fishing, hunting, skiing, and riding snow machines, she also enjoyed cooking and hosting family gatherings. After 18 years together, they divorced and she moved to Pocatello, Idaho, where she returned to Cosmetology School and obtained her license. She worked as a cosmetologist for Karen's Klassic Hair in Pocatello, Idaho, where she really enjoyed cutting and styling hair. In 1987, she married Darrell Briggs in Pocatello, Idaho where they made their home. They were later divorced and she moved to Layton, Utah to be with her family where she has remained until her death.

She is survived by four children, Rick Merchen, Nichole Holzworth, Bobby Merchen, and Eleanor Anderton. She has six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by five siblings, Grant LaVon (Pete) and Barbara Peterson, Claude and Shauna Peterson, Carla and Wayne Newman, Pegie and Randy Cobaugh, and Brenda and Jim Cook.

She is preceded in death by both parents, and her brother, Eldon John Peterson.

Funeral services will be held at the Grace LDS Stake Center in Grace, Idaho on Monday, February 17, 2020. The viewing will begin at 10 a.m. with the funeral to follow at 11 a.m.

Listen to service