Merle ''Spence'' Spencer

of Snohomish died June 25, 2001 in Bellevue, WA. He was 74.

Spence was born in Smithland, Iowa, on January 16, 1927 to Clarence and Hazel Spencer. At age 16 he moved to Bremerton. He had been recruited to work in the Naval Shipyard during World War II. After the war, he continued to work in the Naval yard and was employed by the 13th Naval District as a ships surveyor. Prior to retirement, he lived and worked in Greece and Italy for six years before returning to Seattle. He retired after 38 years of service.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years Josephine Nee Peterson; their children: Genie husband Charles Roberts, Terri husband Ron Cook, Craig wife Janice Spencer, Peggy husband Jim Shaw; eleven grandchildren: Tracy Peot, Rob Houston, Pete Roberts, Staci Roberts, Erinn Spencer, Joseph Spencer, Mackenzie Spencer, Samantha Shaw, megan Shaw, Jenna Shaw, Trevor Shaw; seven great-grandchildren: Madison Roberts, Morgan Roberts, Ryan Houston, Meghan Houston, Emily Houston, Melissa Shamblin, Shelby Shamblin. Numerous nieces and nephews in the Midwest and his extended church family at Christ Church Kirkland also survive. Spence was preceeded in death by three brothers and three sisters.

Friends are welcome to attend a Memorial service at Christ Church of Kirkland, 11725 NE 118th Kirkland, WA 98034. Friday, June 29, 2001 12:00pm. In lieu of flowers donations to Christ Church Academy or Group Health Hospice at Kelsey Creek 2210 132nd Ave. S.E., Bellevue, WA 98005.

To live in the hearts of those you love is never to die.