On Friday, April 18, 1941, a baby girl was born to Merlin and Merle Platz. They decided to name her Merle Lynn. (Cute, right? She didn’t really think so, either.)  

Lynn grew up in California for the most part, though there were stints in Oregon as well, particularly, the winter the family was snowed in as caretakers at a resort. The incredible story of the family’s fight for survival is the subject of the book she authored, One More Step, available on Amazon, if you’d like to read it. It is a testament to the faith that she lived all of her life, and to the God she relied on for her very life more than once.

In 1957, Lynn met the love of her life, Frank Doublin; she was 16 and he 19.  They married on Aug. 22, 1958. They welcomed four children into their lives: Nancy Jean, Thomas Frank, Judy Ann (King), and John Edward.

Lynn became a Chemical Dependency counselor in her early 50’s working in the field for about 30 years. She was proud of that work and after retiring, continued seeing the occasional client, until she couldn’t do it any longer.

She loved 50’s music – the Platters “Great Pretender” was a favorite. She took in cats, dogs, and once, a baby bird; there was also the occasional stray person. She liked Pepperidge Farms coconut cake, Mexican food, coffee, “light looking” with the grandkids at Christmas, reading, and writing; her Christmas trees are legendary.  Lynn enjoyed a good (or bad?) pun, the groan-ier the better. (i.e. “I put the FUN back in dysfunctional!”) Lynn also liked writing important things in ALL CAPS with plenty of !!!!!

She didn’t judge, even if she disagreed with you, she would hear you out. And then she’d tell you why you were wrong, but still….

Praising God was something Lynn did often and sincerely, either in word, song, or deed. She was a deeply committed Christian. Most of all, she loved and relied on and trusted her God to take care of her and her family, and to provide for their needs when it seemed impossible.

Lynn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Frank, and her daughter Judy. She is survived by her 3 remaining children, her 8 grandkids and 14 great-grandkids, the good friends who loved her, and the legacy of both her work and her faith. We won’t forget her, and we’ll always love her.

Celebration of Life will be held on May 31st, 2025, at Einans Funeral Home at 2pm                                                                              Flowers may be sent to Einans: 915 Bypass Hwy Richland WA 99352