merril sandoval died on february 9, 2008, at the age of 82 at st. joseph's hospital and medical center in phoenix. he had been in failing health for the preceding year. he and his wife of 56 years, lorraine, had been residents of tuba city, arizona, for many years. he was survived by his wife and four of their five children. he had 17 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.