Beloved daughter, sister and friend.
Longtime McCleary area resident, June Raye Meservey, died October 7, 2023, of natural causes at Providence Regional Hospital in Everett, WA. She was 77. June was born April 20, 1946, in Aberdeen, WA to James David and Doris Mae (Hattan) Meservey.
Raised in Hoquiam, June graduated from Hoquiam High School in June of 1964, where she developed her love of the German language. That summer, June attended a quarter-long German language immersion course on a full scholarship at Portland State College (now PSU) and then transferred to Grays Harbor Community College. She earned her AA degree from GHCC (now GHC) winter quarter 1966.
June moved to Bellingham shortly thereafter and enrolled in Western Washington State College (now WWU) to continue studies toward earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education with a double major in German and English.
June graduated from Western in 1968. She landed a teaching position at Montesano Jr. Sr. High School in the fall of that same year. June spent her entire 32 and a half-year teaching and administrative career in the Montesano School District.
June resided in Aberdeen until 1974, when she moved to eight acres alongside the Mox-Chehalis Creek, where she remained until her passing.
June completed studies at Eastern Washington University July 18, 1990, earning her Masters Degree in Education with a Curriculum and Instruction major. That fall, she became the Curriculum Development Director for the Montesano School District and served in that capacity for the next decade. During that time, June wrote several successful grants for the school district, as well as a grant for a highly successful countywide curriculum cadre training program in reading and math in which all area school districts participated.
In 2000, the Washington State Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development honored June with an Individual Excellence Award for her work. She retired in February of 2001.
Former students and colleagues fondly remember June as a teacher that always went the extra mile to make learning fun both inside and outside the classroom – from huge Oktoberfest celebrations on campus to Disneyland and other destination field trips.
But even more importantly, June is remembered for her compassion and caring for troubled students. She always made time before and after classes, as well as her lunch breaks and prep periods to connect with those who were having a hard time emotionally and/or socially. She helped those students realize their self-worth and potential. One of her most prized possessions was a special box she labeled ‘June’s Treasures’ that contained dozens and dozens of letters and cards of thanks from former students whose lives she touched and changed in many positive, and for some, even life-saving ways.
In addition to her passion for teaching, June enjoyed her books — collecting hundreds of them! She also loved scrapbooking, a wide variety of music, watching movies with friends and especially the Christmas holiday season. For several years, she and friends purchased gifts for Satsop community families and then wrapped them, along with additional gifts donated by other community members, to assure that less fortunate families would have a brighter holiday.
June loved family and was the catalyst for numerous cousin reunions on both the Hattan and Meservey sides. The reunions often were held at her home and as far away as Lincoln City, Oregon.
Extremely charismatic, loyal and caring, June’s extended family included several special near-lifelong friends, many of whom she first met in grade school and junior high. Noted for always being the ‘Director of Fun’, she organized group camp outs through the years during Fourth of July holidays – most frequently at Lake Cushman or Pacific Beach State Park.
Up until shortly before her passing, for many, many years, June also organized regular weekly get-togethers at her home that included lots of laughter and tons of fun, with everyone present happily anticipating their next visit.
June is survived by her sister Joy Ann Drake, Uncle Bud and Aunt Janet Meservey, all of Hoquiam, numerous cousins and her foster daughter Teresa (Teri) Carriker and her children – Angela Larson and Aleecia Johnson.June also leaves behind special friends Frankie Brooks, Russ and Diane Hays, Bobbi Aue, Colleen Burgher, Renee Preece, Judy Tubbs, Teri Zillyett, Ken Wagner, Bonita Tetreau, Joanie Sampson, Marilee Stillion, Judy Thompson and Susan Furford.
In accordance with June’s wishes, there will be no memorial service.
Please record your thoughts for the family by signing the online register at www.colemanmortuary.net.
