Merle Yocom

On Wednesday, March 23, Merle “Merlie” S. Yocom passed away at home with her loving daughters, Connie and Lindy, by her side. Merlie was born Oct. 17, 1929 in Modesto, California to Merle “Mike” and Bernice “Hon” Olivas. She moved with her family to Waldport, Oregon her sophomore year and graduated from Waldport High School. On March 9, 1947 Merlie married Bob Yocom in Waldport. They lived up Fall Creek briefly before moving to Alsea. Bob passed away in 1987 and two years later, Merlie moved to Corvallis. Merlie was one of a kind lady with a sense of humor that surpassed most. She enjoyed camp outs with the Moose Camper Club, card games, spur of the moment poker games and casino trips to Spirit Mt. During one visit, she received the VIP treatment by getting to hang out back stage with Harvey Kormann and Tim Conway and she had pictures to prove it. Being married to Bob for 40 years was always full of surprises. She helped him with his rabbit and quail (pickled eggs) enterprises. Bob was a timber faller. Merlie always had his lunch ready to go in the wee hours of the morning, and dinner on the table when he came home at night. As a Mother, Grandmother, Sister-in-law, aunt, niece and friend, she will be missed by many. Merlie was preceded in death by her husband Bob, mother and father, and brother, Ed “Butch” Olivas. She is survived by daughters Gail Garvey, Geronimo, OK; Connie Herbert (Don) and Lindy Whitby, Corvallis, OR. Grandchildren Rob Herbert (Kristin), Philomath, OR; Jaimy Herbert, Corvallis and Jeremy Whitby, Corvallis; B.J. Garvey, Geronimo, OK, and Great grandson, Cameron Herbert with a sibling on the way, Philomath. Sisters-in-law Barbara Pixler, Redding, CA and Sandy Olivas, Corvallis, OR; special nieces Julie and “Mess” and families; nephew Doug Pixler and family, Anderson, CA and awesome friend and neighbor Danny Wiggins; her wonderful aunt Vivian who always thought of Mom as ‘her baby’ as they were like sisters; numerous cousins and too many other relatives and friends to list. At her request, there will be no service for Merlie, but we’re sure she’d love it if her family and friends would take a moment to toast her in fond memory as she continues her adventures with Bob. Contributions and condolences may be sent ‘in care of Merlie Yocom’ to McHenry Funeral Home, 206 Northwest 5th Street, Corvallis, OR 97333-4894.

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Merle Yocom

October 17, 1929 - March 23, 2011