Barbara Merrill Yeates

LOGAN, UTAH: Barbara Merrill Yeates, 95, passed away Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at Williamsburg Retirement Community in Logan, Utah. She was born on Dec. l3, l9l8 at her grandma’s home in Smithfield, Utah. She was, what they called, a blue baby. Her aunt, who was a nurse, put her in a shoebox and then inside the coal stove to keep her warm. Barbara was the second child of Harvey H. and Ruby Miles Merrill.

At that time, the family lived in Weston, Idaho and stayed there until Barbara was l5 years old. She had one older sister and three younger brothers. Oh yes, we heard many times over of how she and her older sister, Beth, were victims of countless hours of farm work! They hoed, thinned and topped sugar beets for hours on end.
She also helped herd the cows, and drove a hay wagon. She had a very special horse named Pet that had red hair just like hers!

During her freshman and sophomore years in high school she played basketball. Her sophomore year the team got to travel to Boise, Idaho to the basketball tournament, and won 2nd place. Her family moved to Richmond, Utah her junior year where she worked at the Casper’s Ice Cream plant for her uncle (Casper Merrill) for two years until she graduated North Cache High.

After graduation, Barbara made plans to go to Logan and attend Utah State College. She worked part-time in the hospital for her uncle, Dr. H.K. Merrill, who was the owner of Cache Valley Hospital. After that, he offered her a full-time position in his office.

She had been working at the hospital for two years, when one day on her way downstairs, a man and his son (who had a cast on his leg) were struggling to hold the double doors open. She quickly ran to help and that began the acquaintance of her soon-to-be husband, Luther D. Yeates.

However- it gets interesting, as Dr. Merrill would not employ married women. In order for Barbara to keep her job, she and Lue eloped to Brigham City, August 30, l940 and were married. Due to their great surprise, Dr. Merrill died four months later and they then immediately announced their marriage. They were later sealed in the Logan LDS Temple.

Barbara and Lue became the parents of three children: Craig, Brent and Lori Jean.
The death of Barbara and Lue’s daughter, Lori, at the age of l5 affected them deeply. She died after a 2 ½ year battle with bone cancer.

During Barbara’s married years, she was able to successfully balance the roles of mother, wife, and a professional working woman. Her employment years were spent at Caterpillar Tractor, Utah Oil, City of Logan, and USU Credit Union. ( 52 years! in total ).

Her home and yard was a picture of perfection. And, by the way, you NEVER left her house hungry. She was an excellent cook. She and Lue together, made their house a home with a wide invitation for anyone and everyone.

She is survived by brother, Jed (Reva) Merrill, sister-in-law, Elaine (Loyal) Seeholzer. daughter-in-law, Trudy (Craig) Yeates, and son, Brent (Vicky) Yeates, grandchildren: Gary(Jennifer) Yeates, Jen (Andy) Kelly, Heidi, (Herman) Posada, and Michael (Amy) Yeates. She is also survived by 15 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lue; son, Craig, and daughter Lori. three grandsons, Bret, Brandon and Rian Yeates, and a Great Grandson Jacob Yeates,. Her siblings Beth, LaMar, and Harvey preceded her in death.

Thanks to everyone at Dr. Salisbury’s office for their graciousness and especially, Kim, who gave freely of her time in sustaining Barbara’s needs. Thank you to special neighbors, friends and family.

Funeral services will be held Monday, September 29th at l:30p.m at Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center inLogan. A viewing will be held on Sunday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the mortuary and on Monday from 12:00 - 1:00 pm. Interment will be in the Logan City Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.allenmortuaries.net