Elizabeth Merle Reeves

Elizabeth Merle Reeves (fondly known as Merlie) was a May Day baby, born May 1, 1930

in Salem to George and Ruth Rhoten. She died Nov 12, 2024 at her longtime home in

Salem, Oregon. She was preceded in death by her husband (and best friend) of almost

60 years, John W Reeves, her brother and sister-in-law, David & Coralie Rhoten. Merlie

is survived by her 2 daughters, Susie Hino and Christie (Jim) O’Brien and her 7

Grandchildren Collin (Heidi) O’Brien, Kyle (Kendra) O’Brien, Casey O’Brien, Carson (Erika)

O’Brien, KayLee O’Brien, Jonathan (Mari) Hino, Eri (Justin) Hino and 8 great

grandchildren.

Merlie loved being a camp counselor at Camp Tamarack and was a proud Oregon State

Beaver (and Sigma Kappa) having graduated with a Teaching and Physical Education

degree. She taught PE in Long Beach, California before marrying John. They then moved

briefly to Arizona before returning to Salem in 1958 to raise her daughters near family.

Merlie and John spent many winters in Havasu, AZ, and traveling the country in their

travel trailer but always returning to their favorite place, the Camp Sherman cabin. She

loved the Metolius area, where she spent as much time as possible. She also spent

much time at the family property on the Willamette River, as a young girl riding her

horse, canoeing, water skiing, swimming and helping host the epic 4th of July parties.

She was a dedicated member of PEO (Chapter BC), St Paul’s Episcopal Church & long

time volunteer at Walton House. She had many interests including ceramics, painting,

but most of all, she loved her friends. Her social life was filled with weekly luncheons,

Study Club and, of course, frequent Happy Hours. Merlie had many dear friends, many

she met from her front porch in her ‘Happy Face’ pajamas as they walked in Bush Park.

Her vivaciousness, strong spirit and friendly smile endeared her to many.

Merlie would brighten every room she walked into, greeting everyone by name,

showing her genuine interest and love for everyone. She will be greatly missed by all

but especially by her very loving family.

There will be a celebratory happy hour Nov. 24, 2024, 3:00-5:00 pm at Illahee Hills

Country Club. Please come share stories, laughter, a glass of her favorite Barefoot wine

(3 ice cubes) and, of course, a corndog. (Don’t worry, other food and drink will be

available :) )

In lieu of flowers please consider Project Able, https://www.projectable.org, Chapter BC

PEO Scholarships c/o Jeanne Bond-Esser 1030 Rafael Ave N, Keizer, Oregon 97303 or

the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, https://www.nationalmssociety.org/?utm_source=sc&utm_medium=semg&utm_campaign=aabfy25_brand&gad_source=1