Merle grew up in Longmont and graduated from Longmont High School - the first in her family. She married Dale Smith on April 28, 1940. They had two daughters – Georgia and Nancy. Merle was an active Girl Scout Leader.
Merle got her teaching degree from Colorado State College in 1958 and her Master’s in 1964. She worked for School District 6 from 1958 – 1983. She was the first female administrator in the district and retired as the district math coordinator. She also co-wrote a math textbook.
Merle was a member of First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women and ADK Sorority. She played an integral role in bringing the Alzheimer’s Association to Greeley when Dale was diagnosed in the 70’s. She enjoyed needlework, reading, traveling and baking with her grandkids. She was a friend to many and loved by all. She was strong, kind, patient and a joy to be with.
Merle is survived by daughter, Georgia A. Fitch of Greeley, grandchildren, Amy Fitch, Emily Hunter, Beth Canuteson, Rusty Morgan, Abi Stewart and Katie Bonnell and great-grandchildren, Chae Stewart, Cassie Hermanson, Ellen Hunter, Brennan Canuteson, Moira Roethle, Natalie Canuteson, Andrew Serrano, Michael Hunter, Zoe Fitch, Ella Bonnell, Owen Bonnell, Connor Bonnell, Mia Morgan, Lilly Bonnell and George Bonnell.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale, daughter, Nancy Morgan, son-in-law, Doug Fitch and granddaughter, Wendy Denton.
Visitation 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, at Stoddard Funeral Home. Funeral service 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 10, at First United Methodist Church, 917 10th Avenue, Greeley. Interment Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Foundation care of Stoddard Funeral Home, 3205 West 28th Street, Greeley, Colorado 80634.
