Merle Ireland Obituary

Merle Charles Ireland

Merle C. Ireland, 80, of Tucson, Arizona, passed away peacefully at his home Monday, April 7, 2025, following a diagnosis of cancer in 2023. Merle leaves behind Natalie his wife of 45 years; daughter, Sarah Modica and her husband Robbie; stepson, John Barrett and his wife Anne; his brother, Dale Ireland; and his sister, Alice Lentz. Merle will also be remembered fondly by his grandchildren, Will, Lily, Nate, and Eli, all of whom simply called him Buddy. And he'll be missed by his Corgi friend, Wilson, who loved to sleep at Merle's feet.

Merle was born June 16, 1944 in Findlay, Ohio, the son of Nellie and Merle Ireland. He graduated from Arlington High School and served as a helicopter flight engineer in the U.S. Army from 1968-1970. Merle then moved to Tucson and worked for several companies in town, including Finley Distributing, Canyon State Oil, and Ace Hardware.

Most people knew Merle as an avid golfer who kept his clubs in the car. But his family will remember him for some of the little things, he used to own a sprint car and a hearse, could spot a great deal at an estate sale, and always seemed to have the exact tool you needed to borrow in his garage.

Donations in Merle's memory may be made to First Tee (an organization that empowers kids and teens through the game of golf) or the United States Golf Association.

Merle will be celebrated by his family at a ceremony in Findlay, where he will be laid to rest near his parents and brother, at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Memory Gardens Chapel.