Merrilyn Loreen Asay Tippetts

Sept. 30, 1944 – Aug. 15, 2026

Merrilyn Loreen Asay Tippetts, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away August 15, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born Laura Bell McElfish on September 30, 1944, in Mulberry, Kansas, to Charles and Charlotte (Kirk) McElfish, her life was forever blessed in 1952 when she was adopted by Merril and Delsa Asay and later sealed to the Asay family on January 5, 1955.

Loreen enjoyed riding horses and was a wrangler. She loved spending time on her grandpa Harris’ farm east of Lovell. Her parents would later retire to this farm in 1981, and it was central to many family gatherings. She spent her childhood living abroad, where she developed a deep love for people, culture and travel and passed that love on to those around her. 

She graduated high school in São Paulo and held a special place in her heart for Brazil, where she would later be called to serve a mission. The values she learned during those years — hard work, compassion, loyalty and an enduring love of family – remained at the center of her life. 

Loreen married James Baird Tippetts on August 25, 1967, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they had eight children. Throughout the years, Jim and Loreen raised their children in Billings, Lovell, Salt Lake City and Blackfoot, Idaho. Loreen was a homemaker and rancher on the side. She also spent some time working as a secretary, a cashier at 7-Eleven and Food4Less and an inspector at Nonpareil, driving a bus and working at a homeless shelter.

Loreen was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her faith in Jesus Christ was an important foundation throughout her life. She served faithfully in many capacities and found great joy in serving others and in the knowledge that families can be together forever.

Loreen loved to sing and especially treasured time with family, for family was never simply an important part of life, it was the heart of it. She derived joy from the simple pleasures in life. Whether through cooking, gardening, sewing, church service, community involvement, hobbies, spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren or simply being present when someone needed her, Loreen quietly made a difference in the lives of others. 

She was known for being a descriptive storyteller who consistently fascinated those around her with interesting stories of her upbringing. Those who knew her will remember her for her sense of humor, generosity, strength, warmth, determination, hospitality and green thumb and for the love she so freely gave to the people fortunate enough to be part of her life.

She leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured simply in years or accomplishments, but in people — in the family she loved, the friendships she nurtured, the lessons she taught and the memories that will continue to be shared for generations.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Merril and Delsa Asay and Charles and Charlotte McElfish, daughter Celeste Tippetts, grandson Michael Groll, great-granddaughters Quinn and Hope Kingston and brothers Jerry Asay and Heber Asay.

Loreen is survived by her husband, James (Jim) Tippetts; children Denette Tippetts, Joya (Bill) Bohman, Darik (Jana) Tippetts, Holly Dickinson, Alissa (Matt) Groll, Jared Tippetts and Thea Tippetts (Ryan McKee); 16 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; siblings Tom (Evie) Asay and Garnet (David) Jolley; and sisters-in-law Hope Asay and Robyn Asay.

A viewing will be held Saturday, Aug. 29, at 9 a.m. at the Lovell Stake Center located at 50 West Main Street. Funeral services will follow at 10 a.m. Interment will be at the Lovell Cemetery.

Loreen will be deeply missed, but the influence of her life will remain in the hearts and homes of those she loved. Her family will forever be grateful for her example, her strength and the many ordinary moments she made extraordinary simply by being there.