William (Bill) Riley Blush of Issaquah passed away on November 15, 2017. He was 92 years old. Bill was born in Hot Springs, Montana, on December 31, 1924 to May Butterfield Blush and Edwin Blush. He had a brother, Bob, and two sisters, Della and Fillis, all preceding him in death. He married Ardell Barkuloo of Yakima in 1949, and she preceded him in death in 2012.
Bill attended St. Ignatius High School in St. Ignatius, Montana, where he was a star athlete. He served in the Navy in World War II and in the Korean conflict. After discharge from the Navy, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving as a court reporter and as a recruiter. Bill’s military career extended over 20 years at duty stations across the United States, Europe, and Asia. He was awarded the Air Force commendation medal for exemplary performance as an Air Force recruiter.
After his military career, Bill received a B.A. degree in Education from Central Washington University. He taught business education at Naches High School. Upon retiring from his teaching career, Bill and Ardell retired to Oak Harbor, Washington.
Bill is survived by his sons, Tom of Pollock Pines, California, and Fred of North Bend, Washington; and his daughter-in-law, Lorie, and grandson, Rob of North Bend, Washington.
Burial will be at Terrace Heights Cemetery in Yakima at 11:00am on December 2.
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