Genevieve Isis Carter

Genevieve Isis Carter, a much-loved teacher and life-long resident of the Grande Ronde Valley, died February 6, 2006 in a local care facility. She was 93.
The daughter and granddaughter of Valley pioneers, Mrs Carter was born in the farmhouse of her maternal grandparents on December 25, 1912. Her parents were William and Isis Adler and her grandparents were Valley pioneers James and Martha Jane Moss.

Mrs. Carter attended La Grande schools where she excelled as a pianist. During high school she accompanied LHS choirs, glee clubs and the orchestra. She is credited with playing accompaniment for all the operettas produced by the high school during her time there. She was graduated in 1931. She earned a teaching degree from Eastern Oregon Normal School in 1933 and began her career in the one-room Pumpkin Ridge School, teaching the 1933-34 school year for a salary of $67.50. The next year she taught at the Iowa School.

Mrs. Carter taught for a total of 35 years, retiring in 1975, from Central School where she completed her career as a second grade teacher, specializing in the teaching of reading. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in La Grande for more than 80 years, and was the congregation's organist for many years. She also played the organ for the Presbyterian Church for a long period of time. It was as accompanist for the Methodist Church Choir that she met choir member Harvey W. Carter, a local educator. They were married on August 18, 1935.

Mrs. Carter was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Retired Teacher's Association, Wesleyan Circle, Chapter CO of PEO and TOPS. She volunteered for the Grande Ronde Hospital Auxiliary for a number of years and assisted with reading programs in local schools. She loved to crochet, completing numerous lovely projects for friends and family.

She is survived by three daughters, Barbara Nash, Darla Sunderman and Lanetta Paul and their spouses; two grandsons, Nate and Brad Sunderman; and three great-grandchildren, Luke, Jack and Natalie Sunderman.

A memorial service will be held at the United Methodist Church on February 11, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. A private family interment will be held at the Summerville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church Music Fund or the charity of your choice in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.