Merle O. Blize

Merle O. Blize, age 85, passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, at Sun Terrace assisted living residence in Hermiston, Oregon. Merle and twin brother John were born to Cy and Grace Pierce in Austin, Oregon, February 29, 1928. Siblings John, Tom, Dora, Sylvia and Ima Jean preceded her in death.

Early years were spent near Paterson, Washington, where she and her siblings played along the banks of the Columbia River. Later, the family moved to Bates, Oregon. After marriage she moved to Smith River, then to Reedsport, and finally settled at Lakeside, Oregon, where she and her husband resided for 20 years.

Merle was married to Leonard (Bud) Blize on August 9, 1946, in Baker City, Oregon. Merle and Bud were married for 58 years. He preceeded her in death on December 5, 2004. His ashes will be interned with Merle at Mount Hope Cemetery in Baker City, Oregon.

Merle worked for the State of Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife as a scientific technician, working as a fish counter at McNary Dam. Her dedication and work ethic was an inspiration to all who knew her. Even at an advanced age she persevered through rain or cold winds as she crossed the dam and down two flights of stairs to her work room. It was extremely rare for Merle to miss a day of work. She loved her work and her coworkers Suzy, Linus and Patti. After 13 years of work she retired at age 80 years old.

Merle and Bud retired to McNary (now Umatilla), Oregon, and resided there for 20 years. They were avid golfers, playing nearly every day through spring and summer at McNary Golf and Country Club.

Merle was a kind, compassionate and loving person. She delighted her friends and family with her unique sense of humor. She was a wonderful cook and loved large gatherings of her children and grandchildren. While cooking holiday dinners she would often wear her unique hair net, which made the whole family laugh.

She deeply loved her daughters and grandchildren. She was the heart of the family. She always was there for them, loved them at their worst and inspired them to be their best.

Merle is survived by her daughters, Charlene Godfrey and her husband Don of Cornelius, Oregon, and Theresa (Terri) Wilson of Umatilla, Oregon; grandchildren Danee Kalli and her husband Art, Gary Godfrey and wife Katie, Tracey Cummings and husband Lance, Jeff Lee, Keith Godfrey and wife Jamie, and Chrissy Barker; and great-grandchildren Greg Billington, Travis Billington, Conrad Godfrey, Lauryn Cummings, Logan Cummings, Sarah Godfrey, Ben Godfrey, Jacob Godfrey and Kennedy Godfrey, and Jerritt and Macyn Barker.

She also leaves her dear sisters-in-law Jean Asquena of Pendleton, Oregon, and Nellie Joe Pierce of Heppner, Oregon; and nieces Myrtle Thompson and husband Ken of Hermiston and Judy Chastain and husband Roger of Heppner.

Merle loved to attend church and most recently attended the Umatilla Assembly of God church.

Those who wish may make contributions to Pet Rescue, 1844 Geer Road, Hermiston, OR 97838.

Please join us for a celebration of Merles life on Saturday, March 30, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at Burns Mortuary chapel, 685 W. Hermiston Ave., Hermiston, Oregon.