Merna Bernice Adkins Vancil

Merna Bernice Adkins Vancil, 89, of Oregon City and formerly of Enterprise and North Powder, died April 17 at her home.

A graveside service will be held at the Milton-Freewater Cemetery at a later date.

Merna was born April 9, 1919, to Eva Lena and Marvin Adkins near Weston. She began her schooling at Fairview School on Reed and Hawley Mountain and then moved to Weston with her family in the third grade. She graduated from Weston High School in 1936.

Merna married Marvin Vancil Aug 7, 1938, in Weston. They called Weston, Enterprise, Arlington, North Powder and Mount Vernon their home.

Merna was an active supporter of school activities while Marvin was an educatory. She was primarily a homemaker until her children were in school. Later she worked as a school secretary in North Powder and Mount Vernon and was a secretary for the county Extension Agent in Canyon City.

She reigned as queen of the Umatilla County Pioneer Associations annual Pioneer Reunion in Weston in 1985 as her mother had in 1960.

Merna loved being around people whether it was for family gatherings or with members of Neighbors of Woodcraft, Order of Eastern and the Rainbow Girls in North Powder. She was the Mother Adviser for the Rainbow Girls in North Powder and led cooking and sewing in 4-H. She enjoyed bowling league, sewing for her family, doing handiwork and playing cards with her family and friends.

After retirement, she and her husband d golfed and spent time with their friends at the golf course at John Day. When her husband's health failed, she gave all her time to his care. Those who knew her say she put her family first and loved spending time with them, cheering them on in their pursuits.

In 2004, she moved to Walla Walla to enjoy the companionship of her sisters. In 2006, she moved to an assisted living center in Oregon City. She was a member of the Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church.

Merna is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Judy Vancil of Redmond; daughters, Lynne and her husband, Tom Adams of La Grande, and Dana and her husband, John Copenhaver , of Burns; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; sisters, Georgia Schisler and Marilyn Duffy of Walla Walla; sister-in-law, Marie Vancil of Milton-Freewater of Milton-Freewater; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; brother, Pete Adkins; son, Donald Vancil; and grandson, John Copenhaver.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church.