Coeur d'Alene Press - The Daily Bee Coeur d'Alene, Idaho <> Juanita Merkel, 90 Juanita F. Merkel, 90, died Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2004, at Kootenai Medical Center. Born Sept. 5, 1914, in Tampa, Kan., the youngest in a family of five to John and Kathryn Miller, Juanita's mother died when she was only five. After eighth grade at the age of 12, she moved from the farm to live with an aunt in Chicago, where she finished high school at Broadview Academy. Juanita then went to Walla Walla, Wash., for college. She was secretary to the president of the college as she worked her way through school, graduating with a bachelor's in secretarial science. Juanita moved to the White Memorial in Los Angeles, where she was an executive secretary for the Loma Linda Alumni Office. It was there that she renewed a friendship with Emil Merkel, M.D., who was completing a residency in ophthalmology after returning from World War II. They were married July 27, 1947, in the Chapel of the Roses in Pasadena, Calif., and made their home in Glendale, Calif., for over 30 years. Juanita was actively involved in medical auxiliary events and as a volunteer at the Glendale Adventist Medical Center. They moved to Coeur d'Alene in 1993. Emil preceded her in death in 2001. Juanita was known for her love of flowers, great "from scratch cooking," hospitality, and ability to make people feel comfortable. An avid tennis player, Juanita also enjoyed speed skating and snow skiing with Emil. She was also an accomplished hat maker, dressmaker, pianist and hostess. Her faith and belief about God's good heart were strong. Juanita is survived by her daughters, Judi Ann Donahue of Forks, Wash., and Cynthia L. Stout of Coeur d'Alene; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In addition to Emil, she was also preceded in death by three brothers and a sister. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. October 4 at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel, followed by burial at Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens. Please visit Juanita's memorial and sign her online guestbook at www. yatesfuneralhomes.com.