Home > United States of America > Washington > Chelan County > Leavenworth > Leavenworth North Road Cemetery > Merlin Uriah Forney

Merlin Uriah Forney

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Birth	:	2 Sep 1915 Eckert, Delta County, Colorado, USA
Death	:	30 Jun 2016 Leavenworth, Chelan County, Washington, USA
Burial	:	Leavenworth North Road Cemetery, Leavenworth, Chelan County, USA
Coordinate	:	47.6089410, -120.6458040
Description	:	PARENTS: Albert Theodore Forney and Dora Emily (Roberts) Forney MARRIAGE #1: Marie Kotyk MARRIAGE #1: Ardis Elaine Rabenhorst Merlin Uriah Forney passed away at the age of 10(?), on June 30, 2016, at Mountain Meadows Memory care facility in Leavenworth, WA. Merlin was born on September 2, 1915, in Eckert, CO, the middle child of eight children (Harold, Floyd, Frieda, Eula, Lois, Marvin and Virgil) born to parents, Albert Theodore Forney and Dora Emily (Roberts) Forney. In 1926, when Merlin was 11, his family moved to Washington State, establishing several fruit orchards in Oroville, WA. In 1936, following his high... Read More	PARENTS: Albert Theodore Forney and Dora Emily (Roberts) Forney MARRIAGE #1: Marie Kotyk MARRIAGE #1: Ardis Elaine Rabenhorst Merlin Uriah Forney passed away at the age of 10(?), on June 30, 2016, at Mountain Meadows Memory care facility in Leavenworth, WA. Merlin was born on September 2, 1915, in Eckert, CO, the middle child of eight children (Harold, Floyd, Frieda, Eula, Lois, Marvin and Virgil) born to parents, Albert Theodore Forney and Dora Emily (Roberts) Forney. In 1926, when Merlin was 11, his family moved to Washington State, establishing several fruit orchards in Oroville, WA. In 1936, following his high school graduation, he left Oroville and worked for a time at Grand Coulee Dam, the American Rand Mine in Manacut, and then at Lake Chelan, where he began electrical work, installing poles and lines, and living on a barge as it moved up to Stehekin. Merlin worked his way down the California coast, and while in San Francisco for a visit, met Marie Kotyk from Philadelphia, PA. They fell in love, married in Reno, NV, and moved to Philadelphia to begin their new life together. They became a family with the birth of their first child on March 17, 1942, a daughter, Karen Olga. Merlin and Marie traveled often between the East Coast and West Coast, and one day when the train pulled into Fresno, CA, they decided that it would be their new home. Their second daughter, Valerie Kay, was born on June 11, 1947. They both had a love of gardening, and their yard was a colorful display of flowers, fruit trees, and vegetables. Car trips to the Sierra Nevadas, Yosemite, and the ocean were enjoyed, where the family camped, hiked and fished. In 1952 and 1953, Merlin, now a journeyman electrician, accepted work in Greenland, AL, supporting the construction of an air base and airport for the Strategic Air Command. These happy years in Fresno ended in 1957, when Marie, 39, passed away from cancer. In 1958, Merlin met Ardis Rabenhorst, from Salem, SD. They courted, and then married on June 19, 1960. In 1965, they decided to make a change, sold their home and moved to Oroville, WA. (Valerie had just graduated and Karen was working in San Francisco.) Merlin worked with his brother, Floyd, in the apple orchard business, but eventually returned to electrical work, relocating to Bellingham, WA, establishing a new home overlooking the bay. After the new garden was landscaped, Merlin set up his shop and began to hone his woodworking skills, making decorator items for the yard and house. They joined the Sierra Club, and Merlin volunteered with Mountain Rescue and supported Boy Scouts. In 1967, their granddaughter, Karma, was born (Valerie’s daughter) and they shared many special times with her at their house and on numerous camping trips. In 1981, an electrical job opportunity took Merlin and Ardis to Kodiak, AK, where they lived in a trailer for six months. When Merlin retired at age 66, in 1981, they sold their Bellingham home and moved to Leavenworth, WA; buying a section of a pear orchard off of Mountain Home Road. A log home was built and they named it “Briarpatch” and they enjoyed entertaining family and friends who stopped by to visit. Merlin joined The Village Voices, and he and Ardis went on many hiking and backpacking trips, such as up into “The Enchantments.” In the winter, they both enjoyed cross country skiing and snowshoeing. In the spring and summer months, Merlin would fish nearby streams and lakes. Many specialized trees and flowering bushes were planted in Briarpatch - providing color and interesting foliage throughout the seasons. He took everyone who stopped by on “the garden tour”. Many happy hours were spent in his shop making furniture and designer wooden boxes while Ardis sewed, quilted, canned fruit and made her delicious jams. Many of their vacations were to explore and experience other parts of the United States, such as Boston, Bryce Canyon, Hawaii, New Orleans, Washington DC, and an Appalachian craft tour. In addition, many camping trips were made to Canada and car trips to South Dakota to visit family. In June 2010, they celebrated a very special landmark - their 50th wedding anniversary. Eventually, health concerns required that their home, of over 30 years, be sold. Mountain Meadows (Leavenworth, WA), with its wonderful staff of nurses and caregivers, became their new home. On February 8, 2015, after caring for Merlin so lovingly for over 55 years, Ardis passed away, at age 90. She was much loved by all who knew her. During Merlin’s long life, he was an avid reader and if he wasn’t traveling, consumed books and articles about places in America he had yet to visit. He was close to God, his family, and loved the wonders of nature, and our family was happy and blessed to be on the long, adventurous journey with him. His wisdom, encouragement, compassion, love and laughter saw us safely through life’s joys and trials. We loved him greatly, and he will always be close in our hearts and minds as we travel forward in life. He is survived by his daughters: Karen O. Tenio of Pahrump, NV, and Valerie K. Bradley of Renton, WA; his granddaughter, Karma F. Bradley of Seattle, WA; his great- grandchildren: Josh Wong of Santa Ana, CA, and Julia Wong of Lynwood, WA. A Graveside Service, led by Pastor John Romine, of Light in the Valley Church, was held on Tuesday, July 12, 2016, at the Leavenworth Cemetery off of Icicle Road, with family and friends in attendance. (Source: The Wenatchee World, Aug. 21, 2016) *Full Names / Locations of survivors have been omitted to respect their privacy per FAG rules.

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Merlin Uriah Forney's memorial?
Merlin Uriah Forney's memorial is located at: Leavenworth North Road Cemetery, Leavenworth, Chelan County, USA.
When did Merlin Uriah Forney death?
Merlin Uriah Forney death on 30 Jun 2016 in Leavenworth, Chelan County, Washington, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Merlin Uriah Forney's memorial?
Latitude: 47.6089410
Longitude: -120.6458040

Family Members:

Parent

Albert Theodore Forney

(1877 - 1961)

Dora Emily Roberts Forney

(1884 - 1948)

Spouse

Ardis Elaine Rabenhorst Forney

(1924 - 2014)

Siblings

Harold Eugene Forney

(1903 - 1991)

Floyd Albert Forney

(1905 - 1998)

Frieda Viola Forney Johnston

(1907 - 1989)

Eula Josephine Forney Kuntz

(1917 - 1987)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Leavenworth North Road Cemetery
Leavenworth, Chelan County, USA
Coordinate: 47.6089410, -120.6458040

2. Stutesman Family Cemetery
Leavenworth, Chelan County, USA
Coordinate: 47.6217100, -120.6508400

3. Jack Burpee Gravesite
Leavenworth, Chelan County, USA
Coordinate: 47.5947792, -120.6562080

4. Leavenworth Cemetery
Leavenworth, Chelan County, USA
Coordinate: 47.5902778, -120.6719444

5. Peshastin Cemetery
Peshastin, Chelan County, USA
Coordinate: 47.5828018, -120.6074982

6. Mountain View Cemetery
Leavenworth, Chelan County, USA
Coordinate: 47.5546989, -120.6778030

7. Chiwaukum Cemetery
Leavenworth, Chelan County, USA
Coordinate: 47.6825000, -120.7347222

8. Brisky Treadwell Cemetery
Cashmere, Chelan County, USA
Coordinate: 47.5149770, -120.4955480

9. Cashmere Cemetery
Cashmere, Chelan County, USA
Coordinate: 47.5186996, -120.4869003

10. Old Missionary Indian Cemetery
Cashmere, Chelan County, USA
Coordinate: 47.5166000, -120.4493000

11. Hillcrest Haven of Rest Cemetery
Plain, Chelan County, USA
Coordinate: 47.7832000, -120.6203000

12. Blewett Cemetery
Chelan County, USA
Coordinate: 47.4249000, -120.6595000

13. George W. Parrish Gravesite
Monitor, Chelan County, USA
Coordinate: 47.4688600, -120.4256400

14. Pat King Burial Site
Wenatchee, Chelan County, USA
Coordinate: 47.3846940, -120.6553890

15. Ingalls Creek Cemetery
Peshastin, Chelan County, USA
Coordinate: 47.3827780, -120.6533340

16. Entiat Cemetery
Entiat, Chelan County, USA
Coordinate: 47.6755981, -120.3043976

17. Sunnyslope Church of the Brethren Cemetery
Sunnyslope, Chelan County, USA
Coordinate: 47.4784431, -120.3465576

18. Wenatchee City Cemetery
Wenatchee, Chelan County, USA
Coordinate: 47.4510994, -120.3463974

19. Valley View Cemetery
Douglas County, USA
Coordinate: 47.4730988, -120.2981033

20. Grace Lutheran Church Memorial Garden
Wenatchee, Chelan County, USA
Coordinate: 47.4233020, -120.3359630

21. Saint Lukes Episcopal Church Columbarium
Wenatchee, Chelan County, USA
Coordinate: 47.4220400, -120.3177260

22. Home of Peace Mausoleum
Wenatchee, Chelan County, USA
Coordinate: 47.4124985, -120.3248978

23. Orondo Community Cemetery
Orondo, Douglas County, USA
Coordinate: 47.6486015, -120.2136002

24. William E. and LaDean C. Steward Memorial Garden
Wenatchee, Chelan County, USA
Coordinate: 47.4041166, -120.3248520