Everyone in town knew Merril Kelly. Then her body was found.

When Merril Kelly packed up her life and moved to the tiny town of Quambatook, she was a young schoolteacher ready for a new experience.

Like so many who have called "Quamby" home, Merril found community among the 200-odd residents tucked away in the farming town, about 300 kilometres north-west of Melbourne.

She found love, raised two children and went on to become a "cornerstone" of her community.

Merril was a warm, smiling face. A tireless leader and fearless supporter. A woman you could always rely on to get the job done.

Then, on January 21, she was found dead.

Volunteer firefighters responding to a grass fire discovered her body in a disused quarry between the cemetery and a train line, according to police.

Her death tore apart the tight-knit community, who have been left wondering how something like this could have happened in their home.

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In a tribute penned by the community, Merril was remembered as someone who always saw the best in others and gave more than anyone could ask.

Her dedication extended far beyond the classroom. Merril was a founding member of the Quambatook Community Resource Centre and a long-term member of the Quambatook Community Development Association.

She recently saved the community pool, ensuring it could stay open as the one place children could safely learn to swim.

"Merril, while diminutive in stature, was a giant in spirit and a force to be reckoned with, regarding all things related to Quambatook and its residents. Her diplomacy, steady leadership, and never-give-up attitude were essential in keeping community projects alive," the tribute said.

"Merril was known for her behind-the-scenes work, where she quietly got the job done with no expectation of recognition or reward."

It continued, "Although Merril's absence is deeply felt, her legacy lives on in the many groups, projects, and friendships she helped build and foster. She may have had tiny feet, but our secretary has left behind shoes that will be impossible to fill."

There's not a part of Quambatook where Merril's legacy hasn't reached.

"She leaves behind a community that is stronger, kinder, and more connected because of her. The imprint she made on our hearts and our town will last forever," the tribute said.

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Penny Wilkinson, CEO of Northern District Community Health — where Merril was chairperson and a life member — remembered Merril as a "community leader and friend".

"Our deepest condolences are with the family, as they are also with the people of Quambatook. Her loss has shaken the community," she said.

The local council, Gannawarra Shire Council, described Merril's death as "tragic".

"Any loss of life in small rural communities such as Quambatook has a wider impact on the area. Our thoughts are with family members and friends of all affected by this incident," it said in a statement.

Merril was the fifth Australian woman killed this year, according to Sherele Moody's Australian Femicide Watch.

What happened to Merril Kelly?

On Tuesday, January 21, emergency services were called to a grass fire in Quambatook, near to Cemetery and Knight roads.

It was here that Merril's body was found, at around 6:30am, and she was later identified following forensic testing.

Soon after the discovery, local man Brian Barnes was charged with Merril's murder.

The 67-year-old showed no emotion as he appeared in Bendigo Magistrates Court in central Victoria for a filing hearing on Thursday January 23.

Barnes was arrested the day prior in the Welshmans Reef area — about 180km away from where Merril's body was found.

His lawyers told the court it was his first time in custody, and that he was in need of blood pressure medication.

Police said they would need access to Barnes' DNA to compare it to a potential murder weapon used to carry out the killing.

However, his lawyers opposed the application saying there was not enough evidence to justify the processing of the samples.

He will face court again on April 30.

-With AAP

Feature image: Facebook/Quambatook, Victoria.