Merlynn Sue Legg

Merlynn Sue Vowles Legg became our Christmas Angel, passing away December 25, 2022, at home after a short illness. Merlynn was born on April 11, 1946, to E.E. "Jim" and Pearl Vowles. She was raised in Tooele, Utah with her brother Jaren, aunts, uncles and cousins she loved dearly. She graduated from Tooele High School in 1964 and was a proud THS Buffalo. She never missed a chance to say, "Go BUFFS." Merlynn attended some college before taking a job in Dugway, Utah at the Dugway Proving Grounds. Here she met Stan Legg. Merlynn and Stan dated for a short time and were married on February 7, 1970. Soon after, they moved to Idaho, eventually settling in Nampa. Here they raised their four children: Derrick, Bubba, Nathan and Sarah Bee on a small farm on Happy Valley Road. This is also where she met Vilaketi and Atileouma Bloomfield and developed a lifelong bond with the Bloomfield family. Vilaketi and Atileouma's eight kids became Merlynn's "Tongan children," who she loved like they were her own. Later on, Rodney Goscinski moved in and became Merlynn and Stan's 5th child. Merlynn was a stay-at-home mom, dedicating herself to providing opportunities and experiences for her children. Merlynn and her family were involved in 4-H, scouting and youth sports. She served as a scout leader in various capacities. She was awarded the Silver Beaver for her dedicated service to the scouting program. She was proud that three of her sons earned their Eagle Scout Award, which her sons would tell you, "Mom earned those more than we did." Merlynn was passionate about the 4-H program and spent several years as a 4-H leader. Her children were involved in showing animals at the fair and participated in leadership programs. During this time, you wouldn't be surprised to see Merlynn driving a Toyota Corolla through town with three kids and two sheep in the back seat on their way to a 4-H meeting. She remained involved in 4-H by volunteering at the Canyon County Fair until her passing. Merlynn and Stan were strong supporters of youth and high school athletics. They ran the youth basketball program in Nampa for many years. In 2014, Merlynn and Stan were enshrined in the Nampa High School Athletic Hall of Fame for their years of support to their own children and other Nampa High athletes. If Merlynn was in the crowd, everyone in attendance knew it! You could hear her scream a thunderous, "Yaaaaaaay" from the high school parking lot outside. Once Merlynns kids were in school, she worked as an Aide for special needs children at Greenhurst and Iowa Elementary schools. For 11 years, Merlynn and Stan served as the head coaches for the Boise Community Special Olympics team. They became "Grandma and Grandpa Legg" to over 200 Special Olympic athletes. This was a perfect fit for Merlynn as she always had a deep love and passion for children and adults with special needs. These were some of the best years of her life. Merlynn was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many callings. Working with the young women was her favorite. As an adult, she earned the Young Women's Medallion. She was proud of her pioneer heritage and made many dear friends as a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, which she fondly referred to as the "DUP's." Merlynn was a HUGE Boise State fan who owned so much Bronco gear, when she did laundry, she had her 'darks,' her 'whites' and her 'Blue and Orange' loads. She had a sharp and unique sense of humor and she loved to laugh with others. She enjoyed large potluck gatherings and was quite active on Facebook, providing a "like," "heart" or "comment" at all hours of the day or night. She loved reminiscing with others and talking about the "good old days." Above all, Merlynn loved her family. Her 17 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren were her world. To them she was "Grandma the Great!" Every performance, game, activity or celebration, Merlynn and Stan arrived an hour early and always sat in the front row. A friend of Merlynn's once said, "I don't know how one person can have so much love inside of them." She was bigger than life and deeply loved by her family, friends, and her athletes. She will be greatly missed. Merlynns family would like to say thank you to Ancora Hospice and her grandson Dylan who provided care for her in her final days. Merlynn is survived by her husband of 52 years, Stan; her children: Derrick (Corla), Bubba (Michelle), Nathan (Teri), Sarah Bee (JO) and Rodney (Jessica). She is also survived by her 17 grandchildren: Audralynn, Brooklyn, Porter, Caitlyn, Dylan, Ellie, Jane, Braxton, Taelynne, Jaxon, Maddix, Aleah Merlynn, Raegen, Ace, Maizee Kay, Landon, Tayla; her 2 great grandchildren, Carly and Ava; her brother Jaren (Margaret); Jaren's five children: Jim, Katy, Amy, Ken and Susie; her 8 "Tongan Children": Esita, Nina, Ketrisha, Magoo, Henry, David, Ati and Gabriel; along with many family and friends she loved. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Allen; grandmothers Sadie Smith and Susie Evans Vowles; cousin, Carma; her best friend Carrol Cowman; and her beloved athletes: Bobby, Greg, Rusty and Reuben. Funeral Services will be held Friday, January 6, 2022, at 11:00 am at the Greenhurst Building of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 1201 E Greenhurst Rd, Nampa ID 83686. A viewing will be held Thursday, January 5, 2022, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Zeyer Funeral Chapel, 83 N. Midland Blvd, Nampa ID 83651.