Merle Entrikin, a Path of Radiance, was called home to heaven surrounded by her family on Tuesday, June 1, 2010.  She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

She was born 88 years ago in Benton City, WA, the daughter of Lester and Lois Stanley; she moved to Sedro-Woolley as a young child. It was a wonderful childhood filled with many friends that would climb any tree in sight, playact, dance and sing on the big hallway stairs in her home on Township Street. Summers were filled camping trips to Lake Samish, Bayview and Birch Bay with friend and family. She graduated with the SWHS class of 1940 and after attending Mount Vernon Business School she got her first secretarial job with the Mount Vernon Unemployment Agency. She always enjoyed her short hand skills and used them later as a secretary at Northern State Hospital and at Island Savings and Loan in Sedro Woolley.

In 1942 she was married to Paul Entrikin and for 64 years they shared a life together that was filled with love and companionship.

A lifetime member of Cascade Christian Church in Sedro-Woolley, she served as a Sunday School teacher and loved to sing in the choir. The church family was always an important part of her life

Full time motherhood became her focus in the 50’s and 60’s. Her sharp wit, unwavering smile, and encouraging words let her family and those around her know they were sincerely loved.  She was the world’s greatest Grandmother to her 5 grandchildren, never failing to show her support at weddings, birthdays, school events, holidays, and graduations.   She considered the YMCA her home away from home for many years and later walking in the mall with her husband was a daily part of the retirement years. Gardening in her back yard, preserving the produce of a huge garden and meals shared on the patio with family in the shade of the birch tree were a summertime tradition.

She found joy in helping those around her shine – never seeking to take any of the glow herself. She always desired the happiness of her family and friends, and in this she has succeeded with honors. A beautiful lady to the end, there was always a radiance on her face and a song on her lips. Save a spot for us Mom, we see your glow ahead and we’re following behind you.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul W. Entrikin; her parents, and a sister, Dorothy Gillfillan. She is survived by her children, Bruce Entrikin and his wife Cathy of Bow and Patty Creelman and husband Paul of Burlington; 5 grandchildren, Brett Entrikin and wife Carie, Todd Entrikin and fiancé Vanessa Carroll, Heidi Lammers and husband DJ, Teresa Creelman, and Ben Creelman and 3 great-grandchildren Ellie & Andrew Lammers and Greyson Entrikin.

A Graveside Service will be held at the Burlington Cemetery on Thursday June 3, 2010 at 11:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life from 12:00 to 2:00 PM at the home of Paul and Patty Creelman, 9881 District Line Rd. Burlington. Friends and family are welcome.

Memorials are suggested to the Cascade Christian Church in Sedro-Woolley or a Charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro Woolley.