Marilyn Crouser, an educator and businesswoman who in 1972 co-founded the Book Shop (now Third Street Books), "one of the first solely female-owned and operated businesses," in McMinnville, Ore., died June 16, the News-Register reported. She was 90. Crouser continued to own and help run the bookstore until 1994.
She graduated from high school in Portland and worked for a phone company before earning her bachelor's degree in English and a master's in Education at Linfield College. She worked as a teacher before starting the bookstore.
She also served on the McMinnville School Board in the 1980s, as well as the Chemeketa Community College board, and was active in community affairs with Linfield and the McMinnville Public Library, the News-Register wrote.
The Book Shop "became a fixture in downtown McMinnville," Crouser's obituary noted, describing her as a "determined, independent woman" who "wanted the best for everyone."