Sahli M. (Merrill) Mrvos

Age 91, of O’Hara Township died on Dec. 1, 2024.  Born in Duluth, MN, on April 4, 1933, Sahli was the daughter of the late E. Clinton Merrill and Mertyce Schmitt Merrill. She had a unique childhood, growing up with her brother on a hop ranch in Washington State, which her grandfather purchased in 1939 sensing a business opportunity. Sahli spent many long afternoons on the family's Grey Poplars Ranch where her parents raised hops, kept horses, cattle, goats, sheep, chickens and raised champion Dalmatians. She loved horses and taught herself to ride at a young age. To stave off boredom, she would sometimes race freight trains bareback, much to her nursemaid’s dismay who was unable to keep up by bicycle.

Sahli graduated from the Helen Bush School in Seattle in 1951 and later attended Pomona College in Claremont, Calif., for two years. The unexpected death of her father led her to return to Washington State to be closer to her mother. She graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle with a B.A. in English literature in 1955. A year later, she earned a certificate from the Katharine Gibbs School in New York City.

She later returned to California and worked in the trust department of Security First National Bank in La Jolla, Calif. In 1957, she met the love of her life and future husband, Don Mrvos, through her brother while both men were stationed in San Diego with the U.S. Navy Medical Corps. They married at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club in 1964 and moved to Don's hometown of Pittsburgh to live and raise a family.

Warm and welcoming, Sahli was a devoted wife and mother, and friend to many. She was known for her quick wit, generosity and fun-loving nature. She was also strong and unwavering in her principles. Her life's work revolved around ensuring the health and happiness of her family above all else. She created many treasured family traditions and wonderful memories. Sahli leaves a huge void and will be greatly missed by her family, especially her daughters who will always cherish her classic style, irreverent sense of humor and blunt, straight-talking nature. 

She was a member of the Allegheny County Medical Society Alliance and the former Fox Chapel Episcopal Church (now Christ Church Fox Chapel).

Sahli was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Clinton F. Merrill, M.D.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Donald M. Mrvos, M.D.; daughters, Mertyce (Timothy Sudeith) and Mara (Beth Fedorowich); grandchildren, Logan and Meryl; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

There will be no funeral or visitation. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation (3240 Craft Place, Suite 100, Pittsburgh, PA 15213) or Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley (730 Church St., New Kensington, PA 15068). 

Arrangements by Weddell-Ajak Funeral Home, Aspinwall.

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