Linda Luella Merdick

Merdick, Linda Luella
80, of Peoria, AZ., went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, September 11, 2011, at Hospice of the Valley, Sun City. She was in the presence of her husband and cared for by God's wonderful angels, the nurses and assistants of Hospice of the Valley. She was born in Bradford, PA. to Howard & Annette Lore, January 30, 1931. She spent her early years in Cleveland and moved to Arizona in her junior year of High School for the health of her adoptive father, Norman E. Blair. She met her future husband in her senior year at Phoenix Union High School, where she graduated in 1949. After High School she attended Good Samaritan School of Nursing, graduating after three years as an RN. She married her High School sweetheart, Bill Merdick, on July 23, 1952. They were stationed in Norfolk, VA. with the US Navy where they made their first home and many friends, and took in the rich history of the surrounding area. Upon returning home Bill was employed by Mountain States Telephone & Telegraph. Linda was a homemaker as they started raising their family of three boys. Once the nest was empty, Linda served for a time as receptionist for Bethany Bible Church, where she was known for her gentle voice and sweet disposition. She volunteered in several areas, one being for the Crisis Pregnancy Center. She enjoyed camping and trailering with her family, a tradition she passed on to her three sons. Her last big trip with them was to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in the summer of 2010. She was the confidant of her granddaughters and sons who would call her frequently for her wise counsel. She was preceded in death by her parents Norman & Annette Blair and son Jeffrey. She is survived by her sister, Clarice Rutherford (Bill) in Fort Collins; Three sons - Gary (Dawn) in Denver, Gregg in Surprise and David (Claudia) in Peoria; Her granddaughters Sara in Buckeye, Tamara in Surprise, Amanda in New York City and Grace in Cheyenne; great grandsons Braden, Ethan Byrd, Gavin Byrd and great granddaughters Madison and Emma LaBrecque. She will be forever in our hearts and will continue to be with us in spirit in our daily walks and on our summer trailer trips. On Saturday, Sept 24. at 11am, a Celebration of Life will be held at Trinity Bible Church, 3420 W. Peoria Ave, Phoenix, AZ. Final arrangements are being made by Best Funeral Services. Internment will be at Phoenix Memorial Cemetery in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ, 85014-5656.