Marleigh Jo Brown

Marleigh Jo Brown January 26, 2009 – December 15, 2025

Marleigh Jo Brown (16) passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025, following a tragic automobile accident. Born on January 26, 2009, Marleigh lived a life filled with joy, faith, and a light that was unmistakable to all who knew her.

Marleigh was a student at Deer Creek Schools. She was involved in choir and enjoyed playing volleyball and basketball recreationally. Music was always part of her life—she sang throughout the day and loved sharing that joy with others.

Her faith was central to who she was. Marleigh loved Jesus, faithfully attended church, and cherished her summers at Kanakuk, where her faith deepened and friendships flourished.

Marleigh had a deep love for people and an extraordinary ability to connect with others. She loved spending time with her sisters and brothers, riding in the car while listening to country music, FaceTiming friends, and meeting new people. She enjoyed TV days with her family and loved scary movies of any kind. Her favorite movie was Jurassic Park, and she had a lifelong love of dinosaurs.

One of Marleigh’s greatest joys was sunsets. She noticed them constantly and would often rush inside saying, “Come see!!” Her phone and social media were filled with photos she captured, reflecting how deeply she appreciated beauty and light.

Marleigh loved being outdoors and embraced adventure. She enjoyed hunting, skiing in the mountains, traveling, swimming, spending time at the lake and pool, and being outside whenever possible. She also loved animals—especially dogs—and had a special love for horses, particularly at her friend London’s house. At the same time, she loved weekends, sleeping in, being “lazy,” and cozy days at home.

She delighted in the fun details of life—shopping, high heels, jewelry, dressing up (unless she was going to school), taking selfies, and surrounding herself with her favorite color, purple, and purple flowers. She loved Christmas and all the joy, lights, and togetherness that came with the season. Her favorite treats included Dr Pepper, watermelon Red Bull, and coffee—especially iced mocha.

Marleigh was always happy, kind, and full of light. Those who loved her are holding close how fortunate they were to be part of her life and to have watched her grow into such a beautiful young woman.

Family

Marleigh was preceded in death by her biological mother, Stephanie Nicole Brown; her maternal grandmother, Lisa Jo Brown; and her maternal great-grandparents, Walt and Mary Brown, and Shirley Collins.

She is survived by her parents, John and Lindsay Merhib; siblings: Teagan, Maddox, Stevie, Airelye, and Grant; her maternal grandfather, Steven Harper Brown; her paternal grandmother, Lori Merhib; her maternal great-grandfather, Floyd Collins ; and a large extended family including aunts, uncles, cousins, and many dear friends who loved her deeply.

Services

Visitation will be held Sunday from 2:00–4:00 PM at Smith & Kernke Funeral Home.

A funeral service celebrating Marleigh’s life will be held Monday, December 22, at noon, at Crossings Community Church (Portland location).

The family asks that they continue to be surrounded with prayer as they walk through this unimaginable loss.

Marleigh will forever be remembered for her joyful spirit, deep faith, love for others, and the light she brought into every space she entered.

To view service online click here.