Merlin B. Buhl, 83

Merlin B. Buhl "passed from this life into eternity" Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009, at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane. He was born on Feb. 18, 1925, in Butte, to Fred and Mae (Hills' Buhl.

He served his country both in World War II and Korea, teaching electronics and radar. During his station in Denver, he met the love of his life, Eula Scarratt. They were married on Feb. 22, 1951, and they would have been married 58 years.

He spent 15 years at Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton, helping with cancer research. He drove a school bus for Superior, Corvallis and Stevensville for 30 years.

He was a born and bred Butte boy right from the Great Depression, and was just full of "good ol' Butte" stories. He loved to hunt and fish and was blessed with the ability to cook and bake. He loved all things about home life, but "don't ask him to dust."

He was the best as a helpmate, and lived for the fellowship of his church and the yearly church conventions. He lived a very full and satisfying life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Mae; brothers, Orris Buhl, Kenneth Buhl; sister, Thelma Cloud; and a granddaughter, Kassandra Buhl.

Survivors include his wife, Eula Buhl, of Troy; four children, Leanna Faye Smith and husband Lary, Mary Alice Buhl, Urie Wayne Buhl and wife Michelle, and Merlin B. Buhl Jr. and wife Sheri; sisters, Gladys Jimeno of Corvallis, and Mertis Thomas of Portland; two brothers, Orphus Buhl of Kellogg, Idaho, and Orril Buhl of Corvallis; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; many loving nieces and nephews; and numerous close and faithful friends.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Schnackenberg and Nelson Funeral Home in Libby. Viewing will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at the funeral home.