Merle E. Armstrong

Merle Armstrong went home to Heaven on March 21, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born to Corwin and Jean (Lassiter) Armstrong in Wenatchee on September 7, 1947. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Merle was raised on a wheat ranch on the Waterville Plateau near Withrow. His younger years were spent attending Withrow Elementary and enjoying community activities. He graduated from Mansfield High School and attended Wenatchee Valley College. In 1970, he married Karla Mae Madtson, the love of his life. They had 2 children, daughter Holly and son Kyle. They made their home at Withrow until moving to East Wenatchee after retirement. Merle's farming career began at an early age. He helped at his family farm and then took over the operation after the death of his father in 1967. Merle and Karla combined the family farms in the early 1970s. They formed a partnership with Lanse and Paulette Whitehall, this began the establishment of L & M Farms. Merle and Lanse farmed together for over 50 years. Merle was a highly esteemed and successful farmer and took great pride in his work. He was a devoted family man; he loved to spend time and create memories with his loved ones. His time with his Granddaughter Payton was very special to him. In his free time, he enjoyed going to farm equipment auctions, off-road ATV rides, snowmobiling, and camping with friends. He also had an impressive collection of toy tractors as well many amazing jigsaw puzzles that he spent hours working on. Merle and Karla traveled to Alaska, Hawaii, New Zealand, Tennessee and the Carolinas. Merle was a member of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers, South Douglas Conservation District, and Douglas County Fire Dist #1. Merle was preceded in death by parents Corwin and Jean Armstrong, son Kyle, and stepfather Elton Gordon. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Karla, daughter Holly (Gary) Sinko, granddaughter Payton Sinko (Felix Martinez), sisters Juanita (Jim) Hadfield, Arlene (Dick) Steinburg, sister and brother in law Paulette and Lanse Whitehall and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. We want to thank our Hospice team and special nurse Vicki for their excellent care. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. in the Waterville Federated Church, followed by a luncheon. The family suggests donations to the Waterville Ambulance Fund or Douglas Co Fire Dist #1. Arrangements in the care of Jones & Jones - Betts Funeral Home, Wenatchee, WA.

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Merle E. Armstrong

September 7, 1947 - March 21, 2025