June Merten, of Harrison, passed away on Sept. 2, 2022, at the age 93.

She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on June 11, 1929, to Henry and Alice (nee Dial) Merten.

Many in the Harrison community will remember June as being a very special and caring teacher and coach. She began her teaching career in Wren, Ohio. From 1956 to 1966, she taught Physical Education at William Henry Harrison High School. It was during this time that she developed and coached the women’s basketball, volleyball, and track teams. June became the first female Assistant Athletic Director at Oak Hills High School. She also was inducted into Harrison High School Sports Hall of Fame and awarded Greater Cincinnati Women’s Sports Award for Lifetime Service. She was elected to the Who’s Who in Education by Wilmington College for her dedication as a teacher.

 June served on Southwest Local School Board for 24 years, with several terms as president. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Harrison, and previous president of the Women’s Association, where she oversaw organizing rummage sales and the Sauerkraut Dinner for over 30 years. June did many things in our community and was acknowledged for her service in 1994 as the First Lady of Harrison.

June’s memory will live on through her sister-in-law Marge Merten; nieces and nephews:  Kenneth Merten, Jeannine Merten, Renee Frazier, Denise Morford, Todd Seibert, Jana Strader, Hank Huggins, Julia Wadih, Karalee Brookie, Forrest Merten, Sharon Peeno, Ralph Merten, Russell Merten, Jana Mikes, Jeff Merten, Joel Merten and Jincey YeMaya; many great– and great-great–nieces, and nephews; as well as numerous students and friends.

June was preceded in death by her parents; siblings: H. Russell (Violet), Arthur, Kenny (Nancy), Lawrence “Putt” (Betty) Merten and Vivian (Arthur) Seibert; nephews: Stephen Merten and David Merten.

Services were entrusted to Brater Winter Funeral Home, Harrison. www.braterfh.com.