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63 years of living, working, raising a family, and enjoying grandchildren came to an end on December 21, 2011, when Ray Merk passed away. Ray is survived by his wife Jan, their children Jim (wife Lisa) in Colton, WA, Marlene (husband Henry) in Aurora, OR, and Suzanne in Zillah, WA and their five grandchildren Brandon (wife Amber), Sara (husband Bryson), Hillary, Jason (wife Sara), and Zachary. Also surviving is his brother Roy (wife Rose) in Anaheim, CA. He was preceded in death by his 12 brothers and sisters and his mother and father in law, Albert and Marion Adkison.
Ray was born on May 6, 1923 to Alex and Elizabeth (Martin) Merk, the youngest of 14. He excelled in sports at Zillah and graduated in 1942, and then attended Central Washington College of Education (now CWU) where he played football. He enlisted in the Navy, February 1943, and served his country honorably in the Pacific/South Pacific area. He was discharged in 1946. Ray returned to college in the fall and continued to play football. The CWCE 1942 and 1946 teams were honored in the Hall of Fame for their winning seasons.
Ray and Janice Adkison were married in Zillah, 1948. He belonged to the Zillah Volunteer Fire Department, Junior Chamber of Commerce, coached Pee Wee baseball and the Zillah town team. He also served on the Zillah School Board. Ray was a very supportive and protective husband, father and grandfather, and made sure to attend all of his grandchildren's athletic events. He was willing and able to help anyone in need.
He was employed by Del Monte Can Plant for 30 years, retiring in 1985. Fishing, hunting and making sausage were hobbies for him.
Thank you, Wayne, for helping coach those Mariners.
Ray requested no funeral. Instead of flowers, Ray requested memorial donations be sent to the Salvation Army or the Zillah Alumni Scholarship Fund. Ray requested that you don't forget your old friends.
Valley Hills Funeral Home in Zillah is in care of the arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.valleyhillsfh.com.
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Jan, Marlene, Jim & Suzanne & families,
My deepest sympathy is with you in the loss of your husband and father.Your family will always have a special place in my heart thanks to my best high school friend Marlene. I have many memories of Ray from those days when Marlene and I went everywhere together. He always loved all of you and was very protective of his family. He was always proud of all of you and your success in school. He was one of Zillah's biggest sports fans and a great chaperone for us when we went to State. I remember his many upset moments at the refs which was often copied by Marlene and I. Those were fun times that I will always treasure.
It is so hard to lose a loved one. I pray that your fond memories will give you peace and comfort in the days a head. My thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of grief. God Bless, Karen Crosby Lange
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Jan, Marlene, Jim & Suzanne-
Ray worked with me at Delmonte in Toppenish & also we hunted together, making us the closest of friends. He will be deeply missed because of his quick wit & infectious laugh.
Our thoughts & prayers go out to you during this difficult
time.
From The family of Clifford & Mary Olson
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JAN AND FAMILY: WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS!
AM SO GLAD I GOT OVER TO SEE RAY BEFORE WE HEADED TO AZ FOR THE WINTER. YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
LEONARD AND ROSALIE HEIT
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Dear Jan , Suzanne & Family,
Just wanted to send you a note letting you know you are in my thoughts & prayers at this time. I just read of Ray's passing and he will be missed. He was a wonderful man & I always enjoyed visiting with him on the road or when he came to get his teeth cleaned. May you be comforted by family & friends.
Sally & Grant Masini
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I am so sorry for your loss. I just found out about it. It is always a very hard thing to go through but many times it is a blessing especially when they are ill. Just remember all the good times. My prayers are with the family.
Patsy (Henry) Morrow
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My deepest sympathies to you & your family. My father, Clyde, thought highly of Ray and enjoyed that time as neighbors. My God have mercy on his soul.
Fred Ermey
Zillah
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