Merle Lydia (Koester) Clifford Obituary (1921

Merle Lydia (Koester) Clifford died at the age of 88 on 01/16/2010. Merle was born on 09/26/1921 in Pontsford, MN to Lawrence and Gertrude (Osmundson) Koester. At the age of 20 she married Joseph Whitson Clifford. Merle was preceded in death by her Grandson, Damon Lawson in 1970 and her husband Joseph in 2003. Merle and Joe had 3 children: Trudy Ada Kindler, Carol Jeanne Lawson and Larry Joseph Clifford, and blessed with 7 Grandchildren and 13 Great-Granchildren. Merle and Joe were pioneers in the Columbia Basin Project of Block 40 which was 88 acres near Moses Lake, WA rom 1952-1956. Later they lived in Alaska, Viet Nam, Greece, Western Samoa and returned to Poulsbo, WA. Merle was a part of the first group of women and children that was evacuated from Saigon, Viet Nam in June, 1964. Merle had many tales to tell about this experience, their traveling and living in so many areas of the world. Merle lived at Crista Shores Retirement Community the last 6 years of her life and thoroughly enjoyed being there. Merle always enjoyed helping others. She worked in many Methodist churches doing everything from bazaars, flower arranging, bookkeeping and serving as Treasurer for the Women's Fellowship and many more services. Merle was a hard worker and did more than her share on the farm and in every stage of her life. Merle loved working with her hands and created beautiful embroidered quilts, altar cloths, cut-work tablecloths and lovely pictures for framing. Her family treasured her hand work as heirlooms. Internment will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Bremerton, WA. In lieu of flowers the family suggests remembrances to be given to your charity of choice. God Bless. Please visit the online memorial at www.lewischapel.com