La Grande, Oregon
Merle Frances Quint, 93, formerly of Union County, died Nov. 17 in Gresham. A private graveside service and burial is planned to take place at the Island City Cemetery.
Merle was born Oct. 24, 1914, to Ella Dell Walker and Kenny Worth Smith in Perry. She had six brothers and went to school in Perry, Pondosa and Baker. She graduated from high school in 1932 and graduated from Eastern Oregon College with a teaching degree. Her first teaching job was at Starkey where she had seven students – two girls and five boys. She spent her second year teaching at Mount Emily Lumber Camp. Her wages were $125 a month, her housing was provided and she bought three meals a day at 25 cents each. This class had 30 students, including seven first-graders. She taught there for two years before she was hired to teach in Hilgard for $150 a month. She was there for two years.
In August 1939, Merle married Edgar LeRoy Quint in Weiser, Idaho. They lived in Stanfield, The Dalles and Union for most of their lives. For four years the couple moved to Mangla, Pakistan, where Merle taught elementary school. Those who knew Merle say she was a well-respected teacher who loved her career. She taught for 35 years. Merle’s husband died in 1980, and she eventually moved to Eagle Creek.
Merle is survived by children, Kerry of Seattle and Paula of Eagle Creek; brothers, Ken E. Smith of Union and Cecil L. Smith of Clarkston, Wash.; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
La Grande Observer – Obituaries For The Week Ending January 12, 2008 – Published Jan. 11, 2008