A5 THE ASTORIAN • TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2022 OBITUARIES Katherine ‘Kate’ Merrill Janice LaPlace McCall Astoria Sept. 18, 1962 — May 22, 2022 Astoria Feb. 20, 1928 — June 30, 2022 Katherine “Kate” Merrill, M.D., died at What started out as an attempt to main- the age of 59, succumbing to glioblastoma tain a weight loss of 65 pounds became multiforme , an aggressive and incurable a passion for marathon running that did form of brain cancer. She died not end until her diagnosis on May 22, at her home in Asto- and brain surgery. First it was ria. Her death was attended by half-marathons (13.1 miles). her sister, Karen, mother, Car- Then marathons (26.2 miles). ole, father, James, good friend, Then 50K (30 miles) and 100K Denise Lilley, and her adoring (60 miles). Then the 100-mile husband, Rodney. Rodney was ultra marathon. primary caregiver through the She was not a fast runner. Her last stages of her illness. 100-mile ultra marathons took Katherine was born on Sept. anywhere from 26 hours to 30 18, 1962, in Castro Valley, Cal- hours to run. Elite runners can ifornia, to Carole and James Katherine Merrill, do it in half the time. She had a M.D. Hockenbarger. She graduated sea turtle tattooed on her thigh as from Meridian High in Merid- her totem because, in her words, ian, Idaho. Katherine was called “Kathy” “I can’t go fast, but I can go far!” until she returned from an exchange pro- She could never win the marathon. She gram in Germany. Upon her return, Kath- knew that. But she also knew that every erine not only spoke excellent German, time she had no more to give, and still but adopted the name “Kate” in place of took another step, every time she crossed Kathy, and used Katherine only on offi cial the fi nish line despite wanting to give up, documents. she won. People are surprised to hear that Kate Kate surrendered her hospital privi- did not believe she was smart enough for leges, her medical license and her driver’s college! Not only did she do well, she license before it was required of her. Each loved it, and couldn’t get enough! Kate’s surrender broke her heart, but she was a greatest disappointment during her col- woman of ethics and principles. She was lege career is that she earned a B, and a brilliant woman, admired by colleagues ruined her 4.0 GPA. and adored by patients — some of whom She graduated from Ventura College drove 1½ hours to see her! with an associate’s degree, and continued Several patients report that this humble at University of California, Santa Bar- family practitioner saved their lives by not bara, taking a bachelor’s degree in phys- settling for the easy answer, by digging ical anthropology. She applied to eight deeper and sending them to a specialist to medical schools, and was accepted by investigate her suspicions. fi ve. Since all of them were fi ne schools, Kate’s husband feels privileged to have she decided to pick the one that treated been married to someone he not only her the most humanely during the inter- loved, but admired, for every day of 40 view process. years. He regrets only that they were not Kate graduated from Medical College more years, that such a highly motivated, of Wisconsin in 1994 with a doctor of health-conscious athlete’s life was cut medicine degree. She was elected a mem- short by cancer. ber of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medi- A memorial remembrance for Kate is cal Society. scheduled for Sept. 18, which would have In 1994, she and her husband, Rod- been Kate’s 60th birthday. It will be at ney, moved to Renton, Washington, so she The Loft at the Red Building in Astoria. could complete an accredited University Kate loved Hawaii, and all things Hawai- of Washington-affi liated family practice ian. So, there will be Hawaiian music, residency program at Valley Medical Cen- Hawaiian snacks, and her favorite Hawai- ter. She completed her residency in 1997. ian cocktails will be served. She accepted a position at Peace- Erin McGregor will coordinate the Health Medical Clinic, where she con- event and Heidi Patee, a very close friend tinued working until PeaceHealth closed of Kate’s, will offi ciate. Rodney will look its doors. Although she was off ered the on in amazement. opportunity to relocate, Kate and Rodney All are welcome to attend and celebrate did not want to leave Astoria. Neither did Kate’s life and her contributions. If you PeaceHealth colleague Dr. Angela Nairn can off er a eulogy, that would be wonder- and her husband, Kent. ful. If you aren’t up to speaking, a written After a few meetings together, the hus- version can be read by our emcee . bands declared their support for Kate In lieu of fl owers, donations may be and Angela to go into private practice sent to Hawaii Land Trust in Hawaii, Save together. By the next week, with the help the Chimps in Fort Pierce, Florida, or of PeaceHealth, Columbia Memorial Hos- Clatsop Animal Assistance in Warrenton. pital, friends and family, Pacifi c Family Kate would be pleased with any of these Medicine LLC was up and running. choices. A good woman may well be reckoned only vending machines) and watching the masterpiece of nature. Masterpiece Theater on TV with a brisk Janice LaPlace McCall may never cup of tea and something sweet on the side. have gone on stage, but she Jan raised fi ve children, played a starring role all her cared for her husband, kept a life: Best Daughter, Out- beautiful home and still had standing Sister, Premier Wife energy to volunteer as a Girl of 73-plus Years, Cherished Scout leader, make costumes Friend, Stellar Mother, Fabu- and move scenery for the Mad- lous Grandmother and Devoted dox Dance Studio, babysit and Great-grandmother. prepare lunches for the YMCA She was always Donna or run a food booth at the 4-H Reed, June Cleaver and Mary Fair. Tyler Moore all rolled into one, Janice McCall Her loving, generous, cheer- with a magic sprinkle of Mary ful spirit will be greatly missed Poppins on top. Jan loved traveling with her hand- by her husband and surviving children, some husband, Ed. She adored shopping, Mike, Liz, Doug and John. “You will always have a piece of earth live theater, good books, the latest mag- azines, pretty clothes, dining out (she to stand on, or you will be given wings always said her ideal kitchen would have to fl y.” OREGON CAPITAL INSIDER Donna Louise (Adams) Jagger Warrenton July 23, 1946 — July 6, 2022 Donna Louise (Adams) Jagger was She is preceded in death by her par- a wife, mother, homemaker, nail tech- ents, Loral and Gale Adams; broth- nician instructor and pastor’s wife. But ers, Paul and Ronald Adams; sister and most all, she was a servant brother-in-law, Sharon and of Jesus Christ, her Lord and Jack Ward; sister and broth- s avior. er-in-law, Barbara and Roger Donna was born on July Price; and niece, Rhonda Scrafield. 23, 1946, in Colorado Springs, Donna is survived by her Colorado, to Loral and Gale husband of almost 55 years, (Wright) Adams. She passed Kenneth, of Warrenton; son, away on July 6, 2022, at the Brent (Afton), of Fruita, Colo- family home in Warrenton. rado ; son, Kevin, of Warrenton; Donna attended school in son, Scott (Lisa), of Astoria; Colorado Springs, graduating Donna Jagger daughter, Melissa, of Albur- from Wasson High School in nett , Iowa; daughter, Sheana 1964. Donna married Kenneth Jagger on (Pat), of Westport, Washington. She is also survived by her grand- Dec. 10, 1967, in Colorado Springs, and in March 1968 they began their jour- children, Andrew Jagger, Destini (Tan- ney of pastoring that would span over 50 ner) Schafer, Aden Jagger, Jordan Hamil- years. She was a perfect pastor’s wife. ton, Tessa Jagger, Teagan Jagger, Tayson Often Ken was told that they put up with Jagger, Raina Jagger, Nathan Jagger, Makyla Grimmett, Aurora Grimmett, him to keep her. Her love for children played out in Boogie Shinabery and Zeeva Gagnon; being a foster mother to over 30 children three great-grandchildren, Kynson Jag- ger, Kindle Jagger and Finnley Schafer; for more than 25 years. Donna became a nail technician sister, Yvonne (Ken) Garrett, of Colo- instructor at Astoria Beauty College rado Springs; sister-in-law, Helen Adams until she had to retire because of her (wife of the late Paul Adams); sister-in- law and brother-in-law, Linda and Ron health. She enjoyed counted cross stitch, Geist; and numerous nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by all until reading, doing puzzles and watching Bill Gaither gospel music videos. Donna we see her again in heaven. A memorial service will be held at loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and members of her 3 p.m. on Sunday at Hilltop Church, 725 Niagara Ave. extended family very dearly. facebook.com/dailyastorian We’re investing in Salem coverage when other news organizations are cutting back. APPLIANCE Get the inside scoop on state government and politics! PACKAGE DEALS The most valuable and respected source of local news, advertising and information for our communities. APPLIANCE AND HOME FURNISHINGS www.eomediagroup.com OBITUARY POLICY The Astorian publishes paid obituaries. The obituary can include a small photo and, for veterans, a fl ag symbol at no charge. The deadline for all obituaries is 9 a.m. the business day prior. Obituaries may be edited for spelling, proper punctuation and style. Death notices and upcoming services will be published at no charge. Notices must be submitted by 9 a.m. the day before publication. 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Seattle 69 56 Breezy 67 53 69 55 Breezy in the p.m. Partly sunny 70 58 68 56 67 55 Periods of sun Considerable clouds Variable cloudiness 68 56 Partly sunny Aberdeen Olympia 73/56 81/56 Wenatchee Tacoma Moses Lake 84/52 85/53 Salem ALMANAC UNDER THE SKY TODAY'S TIDES Astoria through Sunday Tonight’s Sky: Delphinus, the dolphin, is in the east at nightfall and glides high overhead during the night. Astoria / Port Docks Temperatures High/low ................................ 72/53 Normal high/low .................. 67/54 Record high .................. 93 in 1908 Record low .................... 44 in 1967 Precipitation Sunday ..................................... 0.00” Month to date ........................ 0.27” Normal month to date ......... 0.35” Year to date .......................... 42.84” Normal year to date ........... 37.52” Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2022 Source: Jim Todd, OMSI Sunrise today .................. 5:36 a.m. Sunset tonight ............... 9:06 p.m. Moonrise today ............. 8:53 p.m. Moonset today ............... 3:51 a.m. Last New High (ft.) Time Low (ft.) 1:39 p.m. none First 1:17 p.m. none 1:28 p.m. none Warrenton 1:34 p.m. none 6.6 6:17 a.m. -1.8 5:55 p.m. 3.1 6.7 6:39 a.m. -2.0 6:22 p.m. 2.8 6.9 6:58 a.m. -1.4 6:35 p.m. 3.0 Knappa 12:19 a.m. 9.3 8:15 a.m. -1.3 2:16 p.m. 6.8 7:52 p.m. 2.5 Depoe Bay July 13 July 20 July 28 Aug 5 6.6 7:14 a.m. -1.5 6:51 p.m. 2.9 Cape Disappointment Hammond SUN AND MOON Full Time 12:32 p.m. 6.6 5:48 a.m. -2.3 11:26 p.m. 9.6 5:25 p.m. 3.1 City Atlanta Boston Chicago Dallas Denver Honolulu Houston Los Angeles Miami New York City Phoenix San Francisco Wash., DC 89/74/t 87/70/pc 84/66/pc 104/80/s 91/62/t 86/75/c 100/79/t 80/61/pc 92/81/t 91/72/t 112/90/pc 72/59/pc 92/73/s Wed. Hi/Lo/W 89/73/t 87/69/pc 78/62/pc 103/79/pc 97/66/pc 88/76/r 98/77/t 81/62/pc 92/80/t 90/73/s 112/92/c 69/57/pc 90/74/pc Weather (W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow fl urries, sn-snow, i-ice. 91/65 Kennewick Walla Walla 99/71 Lewiston 103/71 100/71 Hermiston The Dalles 105/71 Enterprise Pendleton 94/63 102/69 101/67 La Grande 98/65 93/57 NATIONAL CITIES Today Hi/Lo/W Pullman 99/65 82/56 69/56 Portland 90/59 93/68 Yakima 99/69 Longview Astoria Spokane 97/68 Corvallis 89/55 Albany 91/56 John Day Eugene Bend 91/57 97/61 101/61 Ontario 103/70 Caldwell Burns 101/58 101/69 Medford 100/65 Klamath Falls 97/54 City Baker City Brookings Ilwaco Newberg Newport Today Hi/Lo/W 96/58/s 69/56/pc 67/57/c 91/56/s 65/53/pc Wed. Hi/Lo/W 87/53/t 66/54/s 67/57/pc 82/55/s 63/52/s City North Bend Roseburg Seaside Springfi eld Vancouver Today Hi/Lo/W 67/56/pc 91/59/s 70/56/c 92/56/s 89/58/s Wed. Hi/Lo/W 66/55/pc 84/56/s 67/55/pc 83/55/s 80/57/s