The world grew a little darker on Tuesday June 7th, 2022, when Juanita Merritt unexpectedly passed away from organ failure at the Providence Medical Center in Newberg, OR. She was surrounded by her family and left us while holding her children's hands. She touched so many lives in her 89 years and she will be missed immensely by many.

Juanita Marie McDevitt Merritt was born May 9th, 1933, in Monroe, Washington to Minnie Jimmicum and James McDevitt. From age 8 to 13 years old, she and her sisters, Elizabeth and Roberta, were residents of the Deaconess Children's Home in Everett, WA. Juanita attended Chemawa Indian School for 3 years, where she was nicknamed "Hollywood" after being elected prettiest girl on campus. Then Majorie and J.F. Wikoff accepted Juanita as a foster child on their farm. During her year at North Salem High, or Salem High at that time, she was elected to be a member of the 5 person Yell Squad.

During her 9 year marriage to Stewart C. Young, her three children were born; Stewart Calvin Young, Cynthia Anne Young and Kimberly Alton Young. All of whom she loved with all her heart. Juanita valued family and enjoyed get-togethers; often she would have her entire family over to her house to celebrate special occasions and holidays, all together. She was very proud to be a member of the Tulalip Tribes of Marysville, WA and of her Native American heritage. She loved to support the Chemawa Indian pow-wows, as well as donating to various charities around the world.

Preceding her in death were her parents, brother Walter, Foster parents, sister Roberta, and grandson Bryson Tyler Kirk. Surviving her are her three children, Stewart, Cindy and Kim; Grandchildren Stewart Young Jr, Kimberly Marie, Jeremy Young, Dusty Pewonka and all of their significant others and children. As well as her foster brother, Jack Wikoff of Escondido CA and Sister Elizabeth Penn of Auburn WA.

Juanita worked for Dr. Joseph Tyler and Robert Siddoway for 29 years. She then spent another 5 years, following her first retirement, working for Dr. Mark McCullough of Chemawa Orthodontic Clinic. After she finally retired for the second time, she and her good friends, Dr. Tyler, his wife Ruth, PatriciaTaffee and Darlene Stafney met up each month for lunch to keep in touch. These were memorable times that she cherished dearly.

Share your stories of remembrance at the Celebration of Life for Juanita Merritt on Saturday, July 9th, 2022 between 1pm - 4pm at the Hubbard Chapel located at 2934 H St, Hubbard, OR 97032 . Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel. Though her legacy will live on through us and in our hearts, you can help her kindness, generosity and compassion alive by donating to the charity of her choice; St. Labre Indian School at Ashland, Montana.