It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Alice Merle (McGregor) Trouton.

Merle passed away peacefully on November 23, 2015 in Kamloops, B.C. at the age of 88, with her loving family by her side. Merle leaves to cherish her memory; her loving husband and best friend of 67 years, William ‘Ness’ Valentine, her son Bill and daughter-in-law Sharen of Chase, BC and granddaughters, Jaimi (Brendan), Jenna (Brett) Laird of Kelowna, B.C, sister Lois Gagne, brother Charles McGregor and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Charles and Dalena McGregor and brother Marvin McGregor.

Born in Rose Valley, Saskatchewan, the family moved to Vancouver where she attended school and started her working career at Woodward’s. In 1948 she married the love of her life, Ness, in New Westminster.Merle was a hardworking, fiercely independent lady who was always keen to try new adventures with Ness. She ran a boarding house while starting their family and became a bookkeeper for Ness Trouton and Son Construction Company. In 1969 they bought the B.C.N.U. Motel in Sicamous and operated it until retirement, when at that time they moved to Salmon Arm and later, Chase. They enjoyed many trips to the USA, but their retirement passion was camping and fishing. Merle was an awesome homemaker and hugger. She had a lively spark and loved to tease out a smile. She loved country music, dancing, crocheting, knitting, gardening, bowling, making perogies and spending hours upon hours playing with her granddaughters Jaimi and Jenna. As Bill was an only child, she was very happy when he married into a large family which quickly became her extended family and whose children became surrogate grandchildren. She loved them all as if they were her own, sharing laughter and tears along the way.

Merle’s family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the nursing staff at Ponderosa Lodge, Gemstone and to our very special family friend, Charlene Teichrob. We would also like to thank our friends and family for their support.
Upon her request there will be no service. If friends so desire, a donation in lieu of flowers may be made to the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation in memory of Merle.

• Date : 2015-11-23
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.