Yvette May Koerner, 90, a longstanding Grays Harbor resident and former homemaker passed away on Friday, March 1, 2024, in her Aberdeen home.
Yvette was born on April 6, 1933, to parents George and Mary (Morethorse) Hoech in Bend, Oregon. She was raised in Colville, Washington, graduating from Colville High School in 1951.
Yvette married her high school sweetheart, Lawrence Koerner at Chewelah Catholic Church.The couple owned and operated a large cattle farm, producing both beef and dairy. Lawrence also owned a logging company, which Yvette would help fill in from time to time, helping with the timber and driving the truck.
They later had 4 sons: Phillip, Michael, David and Warren. Yvette was a stay at home wife and mother for many years, helping on the farm, and caring for her boys. In 1971, the family moved to Hoquiam, Washington, where they lived over the next 5 years, before purchasing a home in Aberdeen in 1976.
During the summers, Yvette and her youngest son would join Lawrence on his work trips in various parts of the Peninsula.
She loved to be somewhere new, enjoying time with her family. She then began working outside the home in various places, such as the nursing home, now known as Westhaven Villa, and the Gal Station baking donuts; however, she was most famous for her own bakery, operating out of her home. She made up to 70 loaves of bread per week, and made the world’s best cinnamon rolls, baking wedding cakes, helping and serving the couples of the community, making their dreams come true.
Of course, her husband and family loved to indulge in Yvette’s delicious baked goods as well.
After almost 50 years of marriage, Lawrence passed away on February 21, 1999.
Yvette later met Irving, and he became her companion for many years. They were able to travel together, seeing the Great Wall of China, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and all throughout the United States. Irving then passed away. Yvette later suffered an injury and her granddaughter, Kristi, moved in to help take care of Yvette and all her needs. With Yvette’s son, Warren, living next door, they helped to fulfill a promise made to ensure Yvette got to live at home enjoying her family and furbaby, Midget.
Yvette was a member of TOPS, Grandmothers, and the Aberdeen Eagles. Her enjoyments were to sew, crochet, and taking car rides through the Peninsula Loop. She loved to bake, and travel. She cherished the adventure of going to China, and being able to stand on the Great Wall.
Yvette is preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence; son, David; parents: George and Mary; brother, Warren, who passed in WWII; and 3 sisters: Corky, Margaret, and Ollie; and daughter-in-law, Becky.
Yvette is survived by sons: Phillip (Margie) Koerner, of Lacey, Washington; Mike Koerner of Aberdeen, Washington; and Warren Koerner of Aberdeen, Washington; grandchildren: Brian, Jess, Phil, Justin (Ashley), Amy, Richard, Kristi, Mollie, and Stacie; 2 great-grandchildren; 3 step-great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, March 17, 2024, from 12 p.m. — 4 p.m. located at the Cosmopolis Lions Club in Cosmopolis, Washington. This will be a potluck event, so the family has asked that you bring your favorite dish. A private urn committal will take place at Sunset Memorial Park.
If you wish to leave a memory or note of condolence for the family please visit www.fernhillfuneral.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to Twibelll’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.
