ShanaLee Horrocks

Shana was born February 25, 1946 in Vernal, Utah to Thomas Alvin Wardell and Vena Rasmussen. Shana was the 7'h child of eight. Life wasn't always easy as a child. Her father passed away when Shana was only 2 years old leaving her mother a single mom with 7 children to raise, Grandma Wardell made sure that we always had the necessities of life, She taught Shana and her siblings by her example a work ethic - to be dependable, work hard and give an honest day work for an honest day pay, and a love of the Lord and to always trust that he would take care of her family. Her best friends were her three sisters. Gloria, Connie and Kay. We spent the school months in Vernal and the summer months on the family ranch in Colorado. Shana was always very close to her mother and she received much love and support from her.

Shana married Rick Merkley during her senior year of high school. They were blessed with four children, Brad, Denice, Brett and Brian (twins). They later divorced.

After several years of being a single mom, Shana's sister introduced her to Britt Horrocks.

They fell in love quickly and on Nov. 28, 1974 (Thanksgiving Day) they were married. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Ogden temple.

Britt brought into the marriage four children, Mathew, Blake, Heather and Tiffani. Shana and Britt were blessed to have six children. Brandon, Nancy, Joe, Beau, Michael, and Bren.

They taught their all of their children to work hard and to love the Savior. All of their sons and one daughter served honorable missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Shana was an exceptional seamstress and made nearly all of the children's clothes as well as a couple of elegant formals for her daughters for dances. Shana loved growing things and had several fruit trees, berry bushes and always had a garden which she taught the children to work in. She bottled more fruit and vegetables than one could even imagine to provide for her children. Shana was an excellent cook and made many wonderful meals for her family as well as for others. She was always there for her children to talk to - a perfect listener and sounding board for their problems. She taught her children to make their own decisions in life. Her greatest treasure was her family. She was an avid BYU football and Utah Jazz fan.

Shana served in several church callings. Shana taught primary, served in the young women organization, but her favorite calling was the ward librarian. Together Shana and Britt served an inner-city mission in Ogden and were temple ordinance workers in the Ogden temple, which they loved. They spent most of their married life in the Ogden area. Together Shana and Britt have 56 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Shana is survived by her children: Denice Sears, Brett (Alison) Merkley, Brian (Michelle) Merkley. Brandon (Emily), Nancy (Greg) Olsen, Joe (Kylee), Beau (Emalene), Michael (Jess), and Bren (Rachel), Mathew (Julie), Blake (Marsan) and Tiffany Horrocks She is also survived by her siblings: Connie (Niles) Mott, Gloria (Robert) Harris and Kay Hancock.

She is preceded in death by Brad Merkley; and Heather Horrocks, and four siblings, Bob, Thom, James (Jimmy) and Glee Wardell, parents and grandparents.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, August 18, 2025 at 11 am at the Naples LDS Chapel. A viewing will be held from 9:30-10:45 AM prior to services at the Chapel.

Burial will be in the Vernal Memorial Park.