Gifford William Meling

Gifford William "Sonny" Meling of Yakima passed into the hands of our Lord on Saturday,

December 15, 2012, at Cottage in the Meadow; after a long battle with Cancer and

Diabetes. Sonny was born on September 26, 1939 in Marshalltown, Iowa to Gordon and

Joyce (Polston) Meling, and moved to the Seattle area as a toddler.

Sonny went to various schools in Seattle, and met Velma Jensen while they were students

at Franklin High School, recognizing that there's was a love made in heaven, they were

married July 11, 1957 shortly after graduation.

Sonny was a natural horseman, whose skills were honed by his mentor Earl Barbour,

beginning when he was II years old. After working many years at the race track and as a

truck driver, he was able to devote more and more of his time to horse training, and all

who knew him are aware that his passionate love was with the horses. Sonny enjoyed his

years of working with children as well. Many kids benefited from the time he devoted to

4-H, as a leader and organizer of Pee Wee Rodeo in Clark County; as well as with the youth

of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. His work with handicapped children gave him so much

satisfaction and was an example for others to follow.

Sonny is survived by his loving wife, Velma; 3 children, Jerry Meling, Joe Meling and

Jeannette (Joe) Bergren; four grandchildren, Casey Meling, Joe (Marta) Meling, Megan

(John) Scraper, and Monica Kissack; also our adorable great granddaughter, Gracie Lynn

Scraper. Left behind are his brother, Lee Meling and sisters, Beverly Hudson and Zenith

Simard; also his loving mother-in-law, Ella Jensen and several in-law siblings and nieces

and nephews who will miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Pegasus Project Therapeutic Riding of Yakima

or the Yakima Humane Society.

A memorial/ celebration of life service will be held Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 11:30 a.m. at

Central Lutheran Church. To share a memory of Sonny, visit www.keithandkeith.com.