Ronald Merle White's Obituary
Ronald Merle White
Ronald Merle White passed from this life on Saturday, June 23, 2012 in Scappoose. He was born 94 years ago on August 22, 1917 to Bill and Cora White in Power, Montana.
He grew up as the youngest of six children. His siblings included: Beauford White, Donald Verle White his twin, Agnes Larsen, Lois Davis, and Bernice Newcomb.
He moved with his family to Neihart, Montana as a young boy. Here he attended school, eventually graduating as class valedictorian. From an early age, Merle worked in his father's logging operation. Later he would be employed by the United States Forest Service, and several mines around Neihart.
Immediately following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the U. S. Navy. He would serve for the next four years as an Aviation Chief Ordinance Man aboard several aircraft carriers in the South Pacific.
While on leave in 1943, he married his longtime sweetheart, Helen Victoria Hansen Rogers. They would share 63 years of life together.
Following his honorable discharge from the Armed Forces at the end of the war, Merle and Vickie moved to Osburn, Idaho where he and his brothers worked as independent, lease miners. Later he would work for the Kellogg Idaho Unified School district.
In 1978, Merle and Vickie retired to the rural community of Lenore, Idaho. Due to failing health and a desire to be closer to family they moved to Scappoose, Oregon which would be the location for their final days of life.
Besides living a fascinating life, Merle loved gardening, painting, hunting, fishing, and playing "Scratcher" tickets.
He is survived by two children, Tom Kim White of Alpine, Arizona and Shelley Blickenstaff of Scappoose. He was also blessed to have been loved by numerous children and grand-children.
A private family gathering will be held at a later date.
On-line condolences can be made to the family at: www.columbiafh.com
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