Maurice Wilbur Blake was called home to the presence of his savior, the Lord Jesus Christ on July 10, 2021. Maurice was born to Earl and Violet Blake in Orofino, Idaho, on Feb. 13, 1936.
He was the 10th of 12 children. During early childhood, Maurice heard the gospel of the grace of God and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior. The family moved from Orofino to Walla Walla, Washington, then after graduating from Walla Walla High School, he went on to Cascade College in Portland, Oregon, where he met Helen Gehrke. They were married on Aug. 30, 1958.
Maurice was a teacher for over 30 years, the majority of which was fifth grade at Laurin Middle School in Battle Ground, Washington. Alongside teaching, he had a small farm with cattle and hogs as well as a large garden which he especially enjoyed.
Maurice was preceded in death by his parents and nine siblings; daughter Suzanne Rogers and granddaughter Elise Mittelstadt. He is survived by his wife of almost 63 years, Helen; sisters Darlene (Wes) Ulbricht and Rachel (Fred) Clark; children Maureen (Daniel) Visan, Randy Blake, Cheryl (Daniel) Brimlow, Beth (Rick) Robert, Rodney (Debbie) Blake, Kathy (David) Sester, Tim (Hannah) Blake, Nathan (Viviane) Blake, Rebecca (Robert) Mittelstadt, Jonathan (Debbie) Blake, and David (Heather) Blake; and over 30 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. John 11:25
A graveside service will be held at Bethel Evangelical Methodist Church Cemetery, 2306 NW Carty Road, Ridgefield, Washington 98642 on Saturday, July 17, 2021, at 11 a.m.
