Walking On -- Mary Ann Hamilton (Adams), Yvonne Rose Merrow, Earl Wilson, Jerico Shane McKnight

Mary Ann Hamilton (Adams)

Oct. 3, 1949 – June 30, 2023

Tribal Elder Mary Ann Hamilton passed away on Friday, June 30, 2023, at the age of 73 at her home in Lewiston, Idaho.

Mary Ann was born Oct. 3, 1949, to Hazel Bernice Adams (Jeffers) and Irving Chester Adams in Redmond, Ore. She joined older brothers Darrell and Willard. The family eventually moved to Crow, Ore. where Mary Ann grew up and graduated high school in 1967.

After graduation, Mary Ann spent time learning how to play pool. She came by the skill naturally since her father was an exceptional player. She and her brother Willard, “Bill,” often played in the bars together. Mary Ann won numerous tournaments and had many trophies to show.

She spent several years cooking in various restaurants in Oregon and eventually moved to California where she also worked as a cook.

Later, Mary Ann moved back to Oregon and lived on a cattle ranch while cooking for the ranch owner and crew. She met and married David Hamilton in 1982. They eventually moved to Idaho, joining her parents and brothers who had already moved there.

The couple settled in Lewiston and had a daughter, Tara, in 1990. She was the joy of Mary Ann’s life. Mary Ann and David later divorced.

Mary Ann had a lifelong love of animals and flowers, spending a great deal of time raising both. She was quick, witty and enjoyed reading, playing computer games and sewing. Altering clothes was a specialty of hers. She also enjoyed crafts and hand work of all kinds.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Chet and Hazel Adams; her brother, Darrell Adams; and her ex-husband, David Hamilton.

She is survived by her daughter, Tara Hamilton; brother, Bill Adams (Janet); and sister-in-law, Pat Adams. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

There will not be a service. The family suggests donations be made to a local animal shelter in Mary Ann’s name.

Condolences can be sent to Tara Hamilton at 1606 10th Ave., Lewiston, Idaho.

Yvonne Rose Merrow

Sept. 12, 1953 – Aug. 4, 2023

Tribal Elder Yvonne “Vonnie” Rose Lillard Merrow, 69, of McGill, Nev., passed away on Aug. 4, 2023, in Ely, Nev. She was born Sept. 12, 1953, in McMinnville, Ore., to Jasper and Blanche Lillard.

Vonnie enjoyed riding her Harley-Davidson motorcycle. She liked decorating wood boxes and loved spending time with her friends. Miss Vonnie was an awesome lady; she had the heart of gold. She also was a ball of fire and wouldn’t go down without a fight. Miss Vonnie will be missed dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William Earl Merrow; brother, Phillip Lillard; and sisters, Shirley, Donna and Norma. She is survived by her brother, John Lillard.

A celebration of life was held Tuesday, Sept. 12, in McGill, Nev. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 20, in the Tribal gym, 9615 Grand Ronde Road, with a meal to follow at the Elders Activity Center on Blacktail Drive in Grand Ronde.

Mountain Vista Chapel in Ely, Nev., assisted the family.

Earl Wilson

Sept. 27, 1937 – Oct. 8, 2023

Tribal spouse Earl Wilson walked on early Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, at the age of 86. He was a Cherokee descendant.

He is survived by his three children, Grand Ronde Tribal members Julie Stokes, Michael Wilson and Stephen Wilson, along with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Earl was preceded in death by his wife, Tribal member Joyce Wilson (Parazoo), and grandson, Benjamen Stokes.

After serving in the U.S. Navy and working in several mills, he studied accounting at Portland State University and later opened Wilson Bookkeeping in Newport, Ore., which he and Joyce operated for many years.

Later in life, Earl and Joyce enjoyed working for Douglas Fire Protection Association as fire lookouts. Earl enjoyed hunting, watching the Portland Trail Blazers and Seattle Mariners, and visiting with family and friends. He loved telling and hearing a good story, be it over a cup of coffee at McDonald’s, on his front porch or around a campfire.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at Bateman Funeral Home, 915 N.E. Yaquina Heights Drive, in Newport, Ore. Graveside services will be held at Fair Oaks cemetery in Sutherlin, Ore., at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22.

Other passings

Jerico Shane McKnight

Oct. 1, 1978 – Oct. 5, 2023

Tribal member Jerico Shane McKnight passed away on Oct. 5, 2023, at the age of 45.

Edwards Memorial Funeral Home in University Place, Wash., is assisting the family.

Funeral service details were not available before press time.