Obituary of Merlyn Churchill Hendren

Merlyn Churchill Hendren aged 91, of Boise, passed away March 25, 2018 at home surrounded by friends and family. Ms. Hendren was born in 1926. She attended the University of Idaho where she met Robert Hendren Jr. They were married at her home in Gooding Idaho and moved to Boise where Robert helped his parents found Hendren’s Furniture. They made their home in Boise where they had their children, Robert IV and Anne Aleen.

A full time mother, Merlyn was active in both her husband’s business and in community service. In 1957 she formed a Boise Senior Citizen’s committee and organized and was founding president of the Boise Council on Aging. She was keynote speaker at the 1960 Governor’s Commission on Aging and was an Idaho Delegate to the first White House Conference on Aging in 1961. Chairwoman of the Boise Senior Center Quiltfest in 1987 she continued her life time commitment to Seniors.

She served on numerous Boise boards, including St Luke’s Regional Medical Center, Children’s Home Society of Idaho, Boise Philharmonic Association. Additionally she was Founding President of the Idaho Congressional Award and Chairwoman of the College of Idaho Spring Symposium.

Merlyn’s last years were focused on family and her home on Hillcrest Drive. She is survived by her two children Drs Robert Lee Hendren IV (Mary-Noele) and Anne Hendren Coulter (John), four grandchildren and one great grand-child. Merlyn will be entered to rest in a private graveside service. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Merlyn Hendren’s webpage at www.summersfuneral.com

I am not afraid of

storms

for I have learned how to

sail my ship

Louisa May Alcott