January 22, 1965 — February 13, 2024 (age 59)
Melissa Johnson Murdock returned suddenly to the loving arms of her Savior and elder brother Jesus Christ on Tuesday, February 13 after a medical emergency. The world has lost one of the most genuine, loving, and fun people.
Missy was born “at a very young age” to Bonnie and Ariel Johnson and became the darling of the family as the caboose of five girls. She resided in Paradise for a short time. At the age of one, her family moved to Hyrum where she spent the rest of her life. She attended Lincoln Elementary, South Cache, and Sky View High School. She loved to ride horses and had a string of dogs and cats that she loved. She worked as a teen at Tri-Millers mixing spices to cure the meats. In other words, she was an original Spice Girl.
She found the love of her life, John Murdock, “Dragging Main” in the old Burger King drive-through. This began their life together of Missy helping John get out of his comfort zone. Soon after, they welcomed a son and eventually grew their family to five children. Against all odds, they celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary on February 6, 2024 with unconditional love.
Missy is one of the few people who would say, “I love being a grandma, but I absolutely loved being a mom.” Missy enjoyed being around and serving children. She served faithfully in many callings in the church, but her favorite calling was with her husband teaching primary. Her grandchildren brought her endless joy. She loved to travel and support them in their various athletic and dramatic performances. Whether at home or church, if there was a baby around, she was often found bundling, snuggling, and patting its bum until it went to sleep. Some referred to her as the grandma of the ward, and she is known as Grandma Missy to many.
A great time of her life was working as a lunch lady at Canyon Elementary School. She loved connecting with students daily and her friendly greetings and encouragement were some of the students’ favorite part of their day. Missy loved being part of that team of ladies, playing Wacky 6 during their break, even roping the custodian Clayton into their shenanigans. No one will ever forget their epic lip sync performance of Adam Sandler’s “Lunch Lady Land” for the school.
In the early 2000’s, John and Missy purchased their first four-wheelers. Defying all the laws of physics, Missy had more fun than anyone else could on a four-wheeler. Recently, John wanted to get Missy something fun for their anniversary, like a cruise or another vacation. She chose a new four-wheeler because it was what she loved. Missy could not be on a four-wheeler and not end the ride without being covered in mud, which never bothered her because of her love of water. Many family outings ended in a water fight instigated by her. Her surprise purchase of a pool led to many planned and unplanned adventures and life-long memories.
Missy boldly loved everyone she met, and she will be greatly missed. There will always be a large piece of our hearts missing but filled with the love she gave us. Missy loved serving and was always one of the first to show her love by bringing a meal, giving comfort, or helping at a funeral. She gave her final gift of love to save someone else’s life on Valentine’s Day.
Missy is survived by her husband John, children Paul (Natalie), Mike (Jocelyn), Chris (Megan), Alyssa, and McKaylee, and her sweet grandbabies Sydney, Mason, Maggie, Malia, Ruby, and Madilyn. She is also survived by her sisters Gloria (John) Croshaw, Beth Ann (John) Jessop, and Lori Briggs.
She was preceded in death by her mother Bonnie, father Ariel, and sister Kaylene.
The family would like to thank the first responders, paramedics, Logan Regional Hospital Emergency Room and ICU Staff, and Donor Connect for the compassion and dignity they showed Missy during this time. An extra special thanks to our neighbors for going above and beyond anything we could have imagined during our greatest time of need. They will never know how much it means to have had their love, compassion, and support.
A viewing will be held Friday February 16, 2024 at Allen Hall Mortuary from 6:00-8:00p.m.
Funeral services will be on Saturday at 12:00 at the LDS Chapel located at 455 East 100 South in Hyrum, Utah.
A viewing will be held from 10:30-11:30 preceding the service.
Interment will be at the Hyrum City Cemetery.
Zoom link for the funeral: https://zoom.us/j/95386637642?pwd=L0IvQXQwczBWeUtwL2RuVVRla0x3QT09
Meeting ID: 953 8663 7642
Passcode: 123123
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at Allen Mortuaries.