Merle Marie Motley, 92, of Tillamook, a former longtime Baker County resident, died April 28, 2009, at her home.
She was born on Oct. 23, 1916, at Baker City to James and Linnie Holt Gilkison.
Merle worked in the shipyards during World War II. She also worked as a beautician as a young woman. Merle married Lester L. Motley on Nov. 25, 1939, at Weiser, Idaho. In their early years the couple enjoyed the outdoors, square dancing and raising their daughter, MyrnaRae, while operating a ranch at Halfway.
They later owned and operated a ranch at Keating.
Upon retiring, Merle and Lester moved to the outskirts of Baker City. They enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, traveling, and spending time at Tillamook with family. They wintered at Yuma, Ariz. After Lester’s death, Merle moved to Tillamook to be near her daughter.
Merle was a member of the Pine Cone Club at Halfway, the Good Sam Club and Merry Club in Baker City.
Merle also enjoyed gardening, crocheting, sewing, crafts, canning, fishing and was known by her family as an excellent cook. Merle was also an avid Trail Blazer fan.
Survivors include her daughter, MyrnaRae Steiner, and her husband, Nick, of Tillamook; one son, Byrl Landers of Richland; two granddaughters, Stephanie Miranda and Melanie Nifong, and great-granddaughter, Mallory Nifong, along with three other grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Merle will be inurned alongside her loving husband at Finley Sunset Hills Cemetery in Portland.
Waud’s Funeral Home of Tillamook is in charge of arrangements.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, May 06, 2009
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor