Quaker Educator and Missionary Myrtle Irene Treber Dies at 97

Myrtle Irene (Douglass) Treber, a devoted member of Amboy Friends Church, passed away September 23, 2023. She was born August 31, 1926, in Richland Township, Grant County, Indiana, to Milo and Louie (Overman) Douglass. Myrtle attended Converse High School, graduating in 1944, and later worked for Indiana Bell in Marion before enrolling at Mather College in Cleveland.

A long-time member of Amboy Friends Church, Myrtle dedicated 40 years to teaching Sunday and Bible School. She also served on various committees and was deeply committed to the church’s missionary and service initiatives. Her involvement reflected the Quaker emphasis on community and outreach, as seen in the church’s ongoing efforts to support global and local causes.

Myrtle and her husband, Harry, traveled extensively throughout their marriage, taking their children along as the family grew. After their children were grown, they continued to travel, particularly enjoying Spanish-speaking regions such as Spain, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. Their most extended journey was in Mexico, where they managed the Casa de los Amigos, a Quaker conference center in Mexico City. This work exemplified the Quaker tradition of hospitality and service.

Back home, Myrtle worked as a teachers’ assistant, helping children learn Spanish. Her love for education and cultural exchange aligned with the Quaker values of peace and mutual understanding. She also found joy in gardening, nature, and the arts, particularly quilting. Her quilts, made first for her children and later for her grandchildren, became cherished family heirlooms.

Myrtle’s passion for family history was another significant aspect of her life. She enjoyed researching her lineage and sharing her findings with relatives, fostering a deeper appreciation for their shared heritage. Her curiosity and dedication to preserving family stories reflected the Quaker commitment to truth and stewardship.

Survivors include six children, 15 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Services will be held on October 15 at Amboy Friends Church, where Pastor Dick Martens will officiate. The event will include a visitation from 1 pm to 3 pm, followed by a memorial service. Her life and service continue to inspire those who knew her, embodying the Quaker principles of simplicity, integrity, and compassion.

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