Marilyn Joy Barnes

Marilyn Joy Barnes, age 82, passed away peacefully at home in Sandy, Utah on September 4, 2026.

Marilyn was born January 9, 1944 at Southside Hospital in Mesa, Arizona to Lyman and Rhoda Haws. Growing up in the city of Chandler, "Joy" (as she was known by her family) brought joy to everyone. Her loving nature and natural beauty, inside and out, enriched the lives of many during her remarkable life.

It wasn’t her plan, but Marilyn’s time on Earth was destined to be divided in two distinct parts: both of which she treasured.

The first half of her life centered around her husband Stanley Barnes, whom she met while attending Chandler High School. Stan and Marilyn married in January 1961 and began a life together that would come to include their three children: Stanley Jr., Stephen, and Cristie (otherwise known as “the favorite”). During their time together, Stan and Marilyn raised their family on a farm outside of Queen Creek in Pinal County. Marilyn was an engaged mother and homemaker who spent her days trying to keep farm dust and farm dogs out of the small farm house. When the kids began school, she held a few jobs outside the home, including delivering U.S. Mail to people in the then rural and remote Queen Creek area. The family moved back to Chandler in 1973 for a change of pace and an opportunity to enjoy city conveniences. Marilyn continued to love and support her husband and children, serving as office manager for Stan’s business, Cub Scout leader for her boys, and bank teller at the old Valley National Bank in downtown Chandler. Somewhere along the way, Marilyn took up jogging as exercise, and never stopped. Family, friends, and neighbors knew that whenever the sun rose in the early morning, Marilyn would be running. Her typical daily distance was 6 miles, which eventually gave her the confidence to run a marathon. Her dedication to regular exercise and healthy living allowed her to live a life nearly free of any serious health challenges: a real blessing which she cherished.

The second half of Marilyn’s life began in 1992 when Stan was severely injured in an automobile accident. This eventually led to his death, and without warning, she was thrust into the terrible challenge of facing a future without her husband. Marilyn met this unwanted fate with dignity, inspiring all who knew her as she found the personal courage to move forward in life.

It was in this timeframe that she was fortunate enough to find love again with Henry “Hank” Merrill. She and Hank had much in common, including a shared desire for outdoor activity and travel. Hank introduced Marilyn to Utah snow skiing, long distance bicycle riding, and the sublime frustrations of golf. Between their personal travel experiences and her employment with a travel planning company, Marilyn managed to visit and create memories in many countries around the world, including sightseeing in Portugal and New Zealand, bicycle riding in Croatia and France, and hiking the Dolomites in Italy. Hawaii was one of her favorite places. Hank and Marilyn were married there and later vacationed with grandkids there, too.

Marilyn is survived by her husband Hank Merrill, children Stan Barnes Jr (Lisa), Stephen Barnes, and Cristie Briggs (Curtis), nine grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.

Though she has since crossed over into the eternities, she leaves behind a legacy of love and family, and will forever be remembered for spreading joy and enriching the lives of all who were blessed to know her.

A Celebration of the Life of Marilyn Joy Barnes will be held on Monday, September 14, 2026 at Whitney and Murphy Bueler Mortuary located at 14 West Hulet Drive, Chandler, AZ 85225. A Viewing will begin at 10:00am followed by Funeral Services at 11:00am.