LaDell Merk, age 100, died on January 13, 2026 at the Cottages of Weiser Assisted Living facility in Weiser where he had lived for several years.
He was born May 25, 1925 near Fruitvale to Russell and Mae Baker Merk. In 1928, when LaDell was about three years old, the family moved to a place on West Fork Road west of Fruitvale, and soon moved to “the Abshire place” (2657 West Fork Road) where they lived for about 12 years.
While living there, LaDell and his sister, Alma, walked a mile to the Fruitvale School, carrying their lunches and 5 lb. lard buckets.
Growing up during the Depression, LaDell often made his own toys, such as wooden tops whittled from thread spools. In those days, a new boy at the Fruitvale School had to prove how tough he was, so he got into a lot of fights, proving he could take care of himself.
At the age of 18, LaDell went to the Navy May 6, l944 and was discharged May 16, 1946.
In August 1947 he married Margaret Rush at Glendale. They were unable to have children. They lived at 2671 West Fork Rd. for many years, where LaDell farmed and worked in the woods, operating heavy equipment. They sold that place in 2005 and moved to Payette. Margaret died September 18, 2021.
LaDell was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Alma Fisk; a half sister, Wanda Kite, a half brother, Melvin Kite.
