Passed away at the Spokane Veteran's Medical Center on January 3, 2012 from complications of a stroke. Mercedes was born November 6, 1924 at the family ranch in Alstown near Waterville, Washington. She was the second child of 10 born to Rose and Louis Berk. Her early years were spent at the Alstown Ranch, where she attended a one room school. In 1937, the family moved to Sunnyside, Washington where Mercedes attended high school. After graduation, she enrolled in the Nursing Program at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Yakima, and received her Registered Nurse Degree. Later, she joined the Army Nursing Corps and achieved the Rank of Second Lieutenant in San Antonio, Texas. Following basic training, she returned to Washington and worked in Pierce County Hospitals.
With her first husband, Ron Marseilles, she had two sons, Louis and Ken, and raised them in Sunnyside, Washington. During these years Mercedes worked at hospitals and care facilities in Sunnyside and Toppenish. In 1978, she married a long time family acquaintance, George Dormaier, and moved to Hartline, Washington where they ranched. The blended family included the Dormaier children: Elaine, David, Duane and Diane. Mercedes was active in the Almira Quilting Club, Wilson Creek Grange, Hartline School Volunteer Program and her church. She taught Sunday school for many years, continuing up into her 80's. Some of her favorite pastimes were sewing quilts, planting and arranging flowers, and gardening. She was an excellent story teller. She was passionate about helping the needy, especially children. She sponsored education for orphaned children in India and Haiti, and sewed and sent children's items for missions abroad. Mercedes' grandchildren have many wonderful memories of their visits to the ranch. The feelings were mutual as she enjoyed and loved having them come.
She leaves behind her husband, George, of 33 years in Hartline, son, Louis (Karin) of Spokane as well as stepchildren; Duane Dormaier, David Dormaier (Kathy), Diane Oliver (David), and is, also, survived by 14 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. Mercedes' surviving siblings are; Delbert Berk (Jean), Dick Berk, Faye Embree (Frank), Iva Grabner (John), Anita Doncaster (Bill), Sam Berk (Gladys), and Debbie O'Malley (Jim). Family members preceding her in death were: her parents, two brothers, a son and a stepdaughter. Funeral Services will be held in the Hartline Assembly of God Church on Monday, January 9, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in Hartline, Washington. Pastor David Oliver, officiating. Concluding Services and Vault Interment will follow at Hartline Cemetery, Hartline, WA. Memorials can be sent to the Union Gospel Mission in Yakima or to the Spokane Gospel Mission or to the donor's choice. Please visit http://www.stratefuneralhome.com/ to sign the online guestbook. Strate Funeral Home, Wilbur, WA is caring for the family.
from The Spokesman-Review, January 7, 2012
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