Merle Eugene Raven ²

   FamilySearch ID: G4NK-98V. Find a Grave ID: 190996313.

  Events

• Census, 9 Apr 1940, Knox, ME.

• Census, 30 Mar 1950, Thorndike, ME. ³

• Graduation: Freedom Academy, Jun 1954, Freedom, ME.

• Obituary: Morning Sentinel, 11 Apr 2018.
AUGUSTA - Merle E. Raven, 81, died in hospice in Scarborough on Thursday, April 5, 2018, after having suffered a severe stroke at his home.
He was born in Knox on April 24, 1936, the sixteenth child of William Henry and Naomi Pearl (Carmichael) Raven's 17 children. Merle grew up in Thorndike and graduated from Freedom Academy.
Merle is survived by his wife Valerie. They were married for over 59 years and she was the love of his life. He is also survived by his three children, Michelle DiPietrantonio and husband Peter of Westbrook, David Raven and wife Karen of Moscow, Pa., Roxanne Marsh and husband Wade of Misawa Air Base, Japan; his eight grandchildren, Nicholas Raven of New York, N.Y., Kelly DiPietrantonio of Boston, Mass., Michael Raven of Philadelphia, Pa., Kaitlyn Raven of Moscow, Pa., Evan DiPietrantonio of Culver City, Calif., Tanisha, Taina, and Wade Marsh Jr. of Misawa Air Base, Japan; siblings, Judy Porter of Thorndike and Minnie Raven of Thorndike.
Merle was a dedicated and dependable employee. After he retired from Digital Equipment Company, he continued to work part time at Hannaford Supermarkets, just to keep busy and stay active. Merle was a very kind and loving husband, father, and grandfather. Everyone enjoyed Merle's sense of humor and quick wit and anyone who met him knew instantly what a nice and caring man he was. It was a great comfort to him to be surrounded by his family. He enjoyed hunting, camping, cooking, and gardening. He loved to read, do outdoor activities, and take his beloved dog on walks. And of course, he always enjoyed watching the Boston Red Sox and Celtics!
He was predeceased by brothers Lawrence Raven, Earl Raven, Harold Raven, Seth Raven, Daniel Raven, William Raven and Carl Raven, and by sisters Lila Bryant, Edith Porter, Alfreda Moore, Ethel Pattee, Ferne Thompson, and Mabel Larrabee.
A private burial will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.
To view Merle's guestbook or leave an online condolence please visit www.coastalcremationservices.com.

Merle married Valerie Ruby Stitham on 25 Dec 1958 in Houlton, ME.¹ (Valerie Ruby Stitham was born on 16 May 1935 in Littleton, ME and died on 18 Jan 2023 in Portland, ME.)

• Newspaper Article: Bangor Daily News, 20 Dec 1958, Bangor, ME.
MR. AND MRS. GERALD STITHAM of Dallas, Texas are announcing the engagement of their daughter, Val Ruby, of Houlton, to Merle Eugene Raven, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Raven, Thorndike.
Miss Stitham is a graduate of North Dallas High School. She was employed in Texas prior to coming to Maine, where she has since been employed at H. A. Marston Insurance Agency, Gardiner.
Mr. Raven is a 1954 graduate of Freedom Academy and now owns and operates a dairy farm in Thorndike.
A December wedding is planned.

• Newspaper Article: Bangor Daily News, 10 Jan 1959, Bangor, ME.
Val R. Stitham Weds At Houlton
HOULTON, Jan. 9--Miss Val Ruby Stitham, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Stitham of Dallas, Tex., became the bride of Merle Eugene Raven, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Raven of Thorndike, at a quiet wedding at the home of the bride's aunt, Miss Grace Ross, 4 Williams Street, Houlton.
The Rev. Robert C. Decker officiated at the double ring ceremony which was performed the afternoon of December 25, at 2 o'clock.
The bride wore a princess style dress of capri blue wool and navy blue accessories.
Miss Jean Ross, cousin of the bride, was maid of honor. Her winter white wool dress was complemented by red accessories.
The best man was Harold S. Jones.
Mr. and Mrs. Raven are at home in Thorndike where Raven owns and operates a dairy farm.