Merlin Armstrong

QUINCY – Merlin J. Armstrong, 94, a long time resident of Ephrata, WA went home to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, April 4, 2011. She was residing at Quincy Valley Convalescent Center in Quincy, WA. Merlin was born July 30, 1916 in Seattle, Washington to Harold Lewis and Evva Francis Long. She was raised in Carnation and Seattle, WA. She graduated from the Seventh-day Adventist Auburn Academy High School in Auburn, WA. Merlin was an active member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Ephrata. As a charter member in 1951, she served as Music Director, played the piano and organ, sang, and was head of Dorcas plus active on many committees. November 18, 1989 the Ephrata Community awarded a plaque to Chuck and Merlin for their years of devotion and dedication to community service through the Dorcas Society at their church. She loved serving God, family and friends. She played the piano and Chuck accompanied her on the guitar or organ. Merlin was a wonderful homemaker and mother, known for her cooking, baking, pickles, potato salad, wonderful hospitality and sharing her bounty. She sold Avon, Jewelry, and owned a coffee shop at the Bureau of Reclamation in Ephrata. Merlin started the first antique furniture club in town and was President of the Business Professional Women. Merlin really cared about the elderly and infirmed, so she was instrumental in getting Meals on Wheels started in Ephrata. Before losing her vision with Macular Degeneration at about age 65, she served on the voting committee. Merlin lived in her Ephrata home until age 84. She then resided at Cambridge Assisted Living in Quincy until moving to Quincy Valley Convalescent Center in 2007. Merlin was preceded in death by her parents Evva F Long and Harold Lewis Long; her husband for 48 years, Charles W Armstrong. Survivors include two daughters, Marlys Hellbusch(Norman), Lynnwood, WA, Judi Kanoff(Bernie), Ephrata, WA, one sister-in-law Neva Starnes (Marlin), Summerville, GA, two sons by marriage, Paul Armstrong(Mary), Longview, WA, David Armstrong, Fairfield, CA, one daughter by marriage, Sharon Slanger, Kelso, WA, 13 Grandchildren, 12 Great Grandchildren, & several nieces & nephews. In Lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Seventh-Day Adventist Church, PO BOX 1129, Ephrata, WA 98823 or Three Angels Broadcasting Network (3ABN), PO BOX 220, West Frankfort, IL 62896 or on line at: www.3abn.org/donations.cfm Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 45 D St NE, Ephrata on Sunday April 10, 2011 at Noon with a reception to follow.

Merlin Armstrong

July 30, 1916 - April 4, 2011