Aumsville – Merle, 80,
went to be with his Lord on July 31, 2011 in Salem. He was born on
April 7, 1931 in Shallow Water, KA., to Ralph and Edith Beach and
reborn on November 1997 at Turner Church of God. The family moved
to Oregon in 1934 and settled in the Aumsville area.
After graduation from
high school, Merle served two years in the Army during the Korean
War as an MP. On March 11, 1953 he married Thelma I. Hayes and
together they raised three children, Daniel, Ronald and Lesia.
Merle worked for
Willamette Industries and Teledyne Wah Chang. He retired from Wah
Chang in 1993 after 27 years. Merle
enjoyed fishing, hunting, and crabbing especially when he was able
to take his grandkids. Before entering the nursing home a few
years ago, Merle was an active member of Turner Church of God,
where he enjoyed going on retreats with the youth and also the
senior retreats.
Merle
is survived by his wife; Thelma of Aumsville: son; Daniel (Luanne)
Beach of Marion; daughter: Lesia Barnes of Aumsville; brother:
Elton (Ramona) Beach of Lakeside; sister: Neva Bible of Shaw;
grandchildren: Krislyn, Melissa, Tanner, Matthew and Sara;
great-grandchildren – 13. He was preceded in death by his
parents and his son, Ronald.
A
Celebration of Life potluck will be held at the Beach family home
on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at 3:00 pm. Contributions may be made
to the Alzheimer’s Association. Serving the family, North
Santiam Funeral Service, Stayton.
