Merlin Alma Gifford of Ammon, Idaho, died on October 5, 2026, at the age of 83. People searching for his obituary want to know about his life, his family, and any service plans. This page shares what the published notices confirm.
Latest Update: October 5, 2026
As of October 5, 2026, the obituary shown on Legacy.com for Wood Funeral Home & Crematory, East Side, in Ammon says Merlin Alma Gifford, 83, of Ammon, passed away on October 5, 2026, at Lily & Syringa Assisted Living Center (source: Legacy.com, Wood Funeral Home & Crematory). The notice does not state a cause of death.
The Post Register also published a notice for Merlin A. Gifford on October 5, 2026. It lists Wood Funeral Home & Crematory in Idaho Falls, at 273 North Ridge Avenue. The two listings name different Wood Funeral Home locations, so please confirm service information with the funeral home. As of October 5, 2026, no funeral or visitation details were found in the text available.
Who Was Merlin Gifford?
Merlin Gifford was a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who lived in Ammon, Idaho, and earlier made a home in Blackfoot with his wife, Bobette. His obituary says he enjoyed fishing and camping. The notice does not describe his career, military service, or education, so none are listed here.
Background and Early Life
Merlin was born on November 20, 1942, in Santa Monica, California. His parents were Alma M. Gifford and Lola Freeman Gifford, and both died before him. The notice does not describe his childhood or how he came to live in Idaho.
Merlin Gifford Age
He was born on November 20, 1942, and died on October 5, 2026. He would have turned 84 on November 20, 2026, so he was 83 when he died. This matches the age in the notice.
Family and Parents
His parents were Alma M. and Lola Freeman Gifford. He is survived by brothers Gerald (Emiko) Gifford of Salinas, California, and Darwin (Julie) Gifford of Kuna, Idaho, and by sisters Darlene (Victor) Wenczel of Ammon and Carol Herbst of Firth, Idaho. His brothers Gary Gifford and Rick Gifford died before him, as did his brother-in-law, Terry Herbst.
Wife
Merlin is survived by his wife, Bobette Gifford of Ammon, Idaho. The notice says the couple made their home in Blackfoot. It does not give a wedding date.
Children and Grandchildren
He is survived by a son, Robert (Lashae) Gifford of Knoxville, Tennessee, and a daughter, Robin Gifford of Idaho Falls, Idaho. He also leaves three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Education, Religion, Height, and Net Worth
None of these are stated in the notice. They are left out for a private memorial.
Quick Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Merlin Alma Gifford |
| Date of Birth | November 20, 1942 |
| Birthplace | Santa Monica, California |
| Date of Death | October 5, 2026 |
| Age at Death | 83 |
| Place of Death | Lily & Syringa Assisted Living Center |
| Residence | Ammon, Idaho |
| Interests | Fishing and camping |
| Spouse | Bobette Gifford |
| Children | Robert Gifford and Robin Gifford |
| Parents | Alma M. Gifford and Lola Freeman Gifford (both deceased) |
| Funeral Home | Wood Funeral Home & Crematory (East Side, Ammon, per Legacy; Idaho Falls per Post Register) |
| Services | Not found in the text available as of October 5, 2026 |
Reader Questions
Who was Merlin Gifford?
Merlin Alma Gifford was an 83-year-old man from Ammon, Idaho. He died on October 5, 2026.
How old was Merlin Gifford?
He was 83. He was born on November 20, 1942, in Santa Monica, California.
Where did Merlin Gifford die?
He died at Lily & Syringa Assisted Living Center, according to his obituary. The center’s location is not stated in the notice text.
Who survives Merlin Gifford?
His wife, Bobette, his son, Robert, and his daughter, Robin, survive him. He also leaves four siblings, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
What did Merlin Gifford enjoy?
His obituary says he enjoyed fishing and camping.
When is Merlin Gifford’s funeral?
No funeral or visitation date was found in the notice text as of October 5, 2026. Contact Wood Funeral Home for the latest details.
What caused Merlin Gifford’s death?
The notice does not state a cause of death.
Wrap-Up
The notice outlines a long life that started in California and settled in eastern Idaho. It names a close family, including a wife, two children, and a large group of siblings, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Because the two listings name different Wood Funeral Home locations, anyone planning to pay respects should call to confirm. The funeral home pages also have guestbooks for condolences.
As of October 5, 2026, Merlin Alma Gifford’s death is confirmed by funeral home and newspaper notices, and service details have not been found in the text available.
Disclaimer
This article is based on the Legacy.com listing for Wood Funeral Home & Crematory and the Post Register notice available on October 5, 2026. Details not found in those notices are marked as unavailable or left out. Please confirm service information with the funeral home.
