Merna Orene Grasham was born on August 8, 1940, in Tucson, Arizona. She passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026, in Scottsdale, Arizona, surrounded by her loving family. Merna courageously battled Leukemia with grace and strength until her passing.

Merna had a lifelong love for the outdoors. As a child, she explored the caves around Quartzsite, Arizona, with her parents, igniting a deep appreciation for nature that she later shared with her children and grandchildren. Whether teaching them how to fish or spending time together along the rivers of Utah or in the desert in Blythe, Merna found her greatest joy in being surrounded by family and the beauty of the natural world.

After a dedicated career with the Palo Verde Unified School District as Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, Merna retired and devoted herself to her love of travel and the outdoors. She cherished time spent at her summer home in Beaver, Utah, and took many memorable trips to Alaska and New Zealand, often centered around fishing—one of her greatest passions.

Merna is survived by her five children: Randall Passmore, Ronald Passmore, Rachel Wolven-Everett, Theresa Wolven, and Milissa Wolven-Sackos. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Christopher Passmore, and her sister, Davella McCaslin.

She also leaves behind eight cherished grandchildren: Alexandra Wolven-Cochran, Audrey Wolven-Everett, Monte Preston, Daniel Preston, Brendan Reilly, Conner Reilly, Nikki Sackos, and Theadora Sackos.

Merna's adventurous spirit, love for her family, and appreciation for the natural world will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Services for Merna will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 11th, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Frye Chapel in Blythe.  Burial will follow at Palo Verde Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and/or Hospice of the Valley.