Merilee Downend, 74 of Milwaukie, Oregon, passed away Friday, December 3, 2010. She was born on April 15, 1936 in Rainier, Oregon to Virgil and Ethel (Schwelm) Salmon. She graduated from St. Helens High School where she was an active swimmer and received numerous awards. She served in the US Army. She married Gary Downend on December 30, 1985 in Portland, Oregon and has lived in Milwaukie since 1986. She loved music which included piano, guitar and dancing and enjoyed gardening.
She is survived by her husband Gary of Milwaukie OR and sisters Betty Jones of Portland OR and Gloria Doleshel of Seattle WA. She was preceded in death by her brothers Bill Dutton, Roy Salmon and Vern Salmon.
A Celebration of her life will be held on Friday, December 10, 2010 at 2:00pm at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home, 520 W. Powell Blvd in Gresham, Oregon. Contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Society.
