Merle E Rolfe "Tuff"

Merle E. Rolfe “Tuff”, age 65, passed away in his home on May 29, 2021 from complications related to his six-year battle with Multiple Myeloma cancer and heart disease. He was born June 6, 1955 to parents Charles and Esther Rolfe.  He was raised by his mother, with a lot of help from his grandparents Glen and Irene Stover of Centralia. As an infant he lived at the Old Centralia Hotel, and slept safely in a dresser drawer. He was given the nickname “Tuff” by his dad, because at 5 months Merle would hold onto his dad’s thumbs to be pulled up and his; dad said he was tough, so the name “Tuff” stuck throughout his life with his family. He was #6 out, of 7 children. He loved the farm life. School was not his focus, as he needed to start working at an early age to help out his mom and his siblings.

Merle married Patricia Rolfe on February 18, 1979, to whom he was married for 42 years. They had two children; Kristina “Krissy” Wright and Jesse Rolfe. Krissy married Aaron Wright in 2005 and soon after he became a grandfather to Noah and Nai’a Wright.

He loved his family, God, this country, old cars, camping trips, trips to Reno and the beach. He looked forward to his yearly family trips touring the different states and monuments when Krissy and Jesse were young. He loved to attend family and community events, and was a devoted grandpa. He retired from Weyerhaeuser after 32 years. He was a supporter of the union. He volunteered and then served two terms as the secretary treasurer for the Machinists Union. He was able to take his family to Washington DC for a few very memorable trips.

Merle was known for his kind heart and his encouraging words. He will be greatly missed, but we find comfort in knowing that we will meet again and that he’s happy to be reunited with his son Jesse Rolfe. Graveside service will be held on Monday June 7, 2021 at 2:00pm at the Mountain View Cemetery in Centralia, with a reception following.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Merle E Rolfe "Tuff", please visit our floral store.