Kate Mary Vivian MERKELEY 

It is with great sadness that we witnessed the passing of our dear 'Viv'. She was the 
first child, the big sister, the dear friend and most of all a gentle and loving wife, mother, 
and grandmother. In her last days Viv was able to be at home with her family and 
friends enjoying their love and appreciation of her and celebrating her 85th Birthday this 
last September. Kate Mary Vivian Aspinall was born in Vancouver B.C. to Janet and 
Alfred Aspinall on September 4, 1923. Viv came to her special care giving talents early 
in life as she helped look after her younger sisters Isabelle and Elaine and her younger 
brother Roy. She graduated from Vancouver General Hospital's Nursing program as an 
RN in 1946 and soon thereafter married the love of her life, Donald Merkeley a young 
naval medical officer who would not take "no" for an answer. Together they raised four 
children spending most of their time in North Idaho and Seattle. With her children out of 
the home, Viv returned to care giving as a hospice volunteer in Seattle and eventually 
Viv and Don "retired" in North Idaho. Their home in Idaho became a sanctuary for 
them and all those family and friends fortunate enough to spend time with them as 
guests at the "Ranch". Viv was always a wonderful hostess and her home fondly 
reminded many of times gone by: full of love, comfy furnishings, delicious food and 
overrun with dogs, flowers and Don's vegetables and projects. In her family, Viv always 
will be the big sister and sincere and compassionate wife, mother, aunt, and 
grandmother. With a full and gentle heart, many have been comforted by her over the 
years, yet many have also been encouraged to "be nice" and "do your homework". It 
is with Viv's passing that we realize the inadequacy of words and the power of the love 
of friends and family. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Donald Merkeley of Athol, 
Idaho; daughter, Dana Merkeley of Seattle, Washington' sons: Jeffrey Merkeley of 
Seattle, Washington and Dr. Ward and Donna Merkeley of Spokane, Washington. 
She is also survived by beloved Grandchildren: Tyler, Jillian, Vivian and Olivia. She was 
preceded in death by her oldest daughter, Lois Anne Merkeley. Kate Mary Vivian 
Merkeley September 4, 1923 ~ November 2, 2008 Friends are welcome to join Vivian's 
family in a memorial service, 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 8, 2008, at St. Andrews 
Church, 2404 North Howard St, Spokane, WA 99205-3215. Reception to follow at 
Donna and Ward Merkeley's residence: 2004 South Oneida Place, Spokane, 
Washington 99203. In lieu of flowers, donations will be greatly appreciated to one of 
Viv's favorite causes: St. Joseph's Indian School or Heifer Project International. 
Donations can be made in Vivian's name to: Denise Hyland, c/o St. Joseph's Indian 
School, Chamberlain, South Dakota 57326, and Heifer Project International 
www.heifer.org 

Published in the NWsource on 11/7/2008