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Ida May Warner Sekermestrovich was born Aug. 27, 1921, in Indianapolis, Ind. She peacefully passed away early Wednesday morning, Oct. 23, 2013, at West Hills Assisted Living in Corvallis. Ida May was the youngest of four children born to Fredrick and Maude (Long) Warner. Shortly after her mother’s death, when Ida May was 9, the family left Indiana for Corvallis. Ida May graduated from Corvallis High School in 1939. She worked at McGregor’s Five and Dime in downtown Corvallis and as a telephone operator prior to joining Oregon State University’s Seed Laboratory as a seed analyst. However, most of all, Ida May was a dedicated homemaker and a tremendous mother to her five children. She met Edward Sekermestrovich at Lake Park Roller Rink in Lewisburg, north of Corvallis. It was said that a few weeks earlier she and a friend were crossing the street in downtown Corvallis when Edward told one of his Army buddies, “I’m going to marry that girl!” Shortly thereafter, they were married on Feb. 2, 1942. She was a very “crafty lady,” making jewelry out of feathers, shells and unique beads and agates, as well as making ceramic dolls, which she enjoyed designing and dressing in period apparel. She made ceramic bride dolls for her married granddaughters, knitted and crocheted hundreds of items, and created magnificent, handcrafted quilts. She loved attending her writing class at the Corvallis Senior Center, led by Simon Johnson, for more than 35 years, until just after her 92nd birthday. Along with many stories and poems, she also wrote two short stories that were bound. She loved music her entire life, and had a talent for piano and voice. Edward and Ida May had been married 65 years when Edward passed away in 2007. Soon after, Ida May moved to West Hills Assisted Living. Her family would like to offer their sincerest appreciation to her doctor, Stephen Athay, M.D.; everyone at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center; and the wonderful staff at West Hills Assisted Living and Benton Hospice Service. Ida May was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Irene Bowers, Celia Von Krosigk and Lloyd Warner; and daughter-in-law, Debra Sekermestrovich. She is survived by her sons, Dennis, Bill (Connie), and Pete (Linda); daughters, JoAnne Croff (Bob) and Mary Stein (Ron); nine grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A private graveside service will take place at Oaklawn Cemetery. Donations honoring Ida May’s life can be sent to Benton Hospice Service or the Old Mill Center for Children and Families

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Ida May Sekermestrovich

August 27, 1921 - October 23, 2013