~ Myrtle Slanger Obituary ~

Myrtle L. Slanger passed away in Longview July 15, 2009.

She was born in Birkenfeld, Ore., to Andrew and Mary "Mamie" (Elliott) Johnston. She attended school in Birkenfeld, moving to Metzker, Ore., at age 13, and graduating from Tigard High School. She attended Oregon State University and Monmouth Normal School, graduating with a teaching certificate.

Myrtle taught at Mosier, Yonker & Wicks logging camp, Birkenfeld and Jewell, having kindergarten in her home at Jewell for many years before becoming part of the school system.

She married Fredrick J. "Fred" Slanger Aug. 24, 1941, in Vesper, Ore. They established their first home in Birkenfeld and moved to a farm in Jewell in 1948, where she lived the rest of her life. Fred passed away in 1987.

Myrtle was involved in her community, writing weekly articles for the Seaside Signal and Clatskanie Chief, and being a 4-H leader for more than 50 years. She was selected as one of the original Oregon 4-H Hall of Fame members. She was secretary treasurer of the Nehalem Valley Pioneers for many ears, a 50 year member of the Jewell Grange and organizer of the Jewell Senior Club. She was also a member of the Retired Teachers' Association. She always took a special interest in preserving local history.

Myrtle enjoyed her farm in Jewell, well-known for her garden and flower beds, sharing starts of plants with everyone, especially her dahlias. She took bouquets to the school every Monday morning until the frost each year. She provided bouquets for many events in the local area, including school graduations.

She is survived by a son, Dale Slanger of Kelso; a daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia Ann and Ed Weber of Astoria; her grandchildren and their spouses, Terry and Renae Weber of Vale, Ore., Jeff Weber of Jewell, John Slanger of Kelso, Stephen and Christie Bright of San Diego and Ann and Kendall Wines of Fruitland, Wash.; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Myrtle was preceded in death by daughter, Immogene Sheele; and her siblings, Laura Swingly, Kenneth Johnston and Florence Thornton.

A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Emmanual Episcopal Church in Birkenfeld.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Clatsop County 4-H Leaders Association or the Loggers Memorial Museum.

Hughes Mortuary in Astoria is in charge of arrangements.

Published in The Daily News on 7/17/2009