Patricia "Pat" Yvonne Thayer Merrill Obituary (1923

Patricia (Pat) Yvonne Thayer Merrill June 2, 1923 – April 4, 2018 Patricia (Pat) Yvonne Thayer Merrill was born in Seattle, Washington on June 2, 1923 and adopted at three weeks by Theodore and Ruth Ewing Coates. She graduated from Roosevelt High School June 1941 and continued her education at the University of Washington. She married Edwin Thayer Merrill in 1945 and moved to the Tri City area in 1947. Pat moved to Prosser in 1965 when she and Ed divorced. A bright, outspoken woman of many talents, Pat often took on roles outside conventional norms for her time. Her passions for community service began early in life. From Girls Scouts to League of Women Voters, Easter Seals, Heart Fund, and American Legion Auxiliary, she is likely most remembered for being the first mayor of re-incorporated Richland 60 years ago. However, if asked of her greatest accomplishment, she would cite the work she and Ruth Roberts did in creating the Food Bank and Red Door Thrift Store through Jubilee Ministry located in Prosser. Her legacy continues to thrive. Truly, Pat was a living example of one dedicated to "clothing the poor and feeding the hungry" (Matthew 25:35-36). She had a strong faith in the Bible and knew Jesus as her savior. (Photo 1) Pat loved exploring various means of self-expression. As a result, her home was filled with hand-carved totem poles; living room wall was covered with oil paintings of her favorite views; yard displayed custom-made birdhouses and feeders; gardens reflected a manic intensive master gardener; words of poetry and prose were expressed on various surfaces she found inspiring; extensive journal writings described travels across oceans and road trips in the Bus N Us camping in National Parks across the USA. Pat was a trailblazer cut from a different mold who readily challenged social issues before others thought it was time for a change. She never hesitated to venture into a challenge she felt was necessary. She was a hard driver and had high expectations for those around her. That being said, she challenged herself most, never wavering from what she believed in. (photo 2) Although Pat was often in pain, she was not a complainer. A badly repaired broken hip in the 80's, breast cancer in the 90's, colon cancer in 2016, and metastatic cancer the last three months of her life did not stop her from making the most of every day. She found joy in the simple pleasures of time with family and friends and took time to express her gratitude for the goodness surrounding her. At the New Year, Pat was placed in Hospice care in the Richland home of her youngest son and daughter-in-law, David and Darlene Merrill. She passed away April 4, 2018 knowing she was truly loved by many as family members and friends stopped by to honor her. Pat is survived by four children Steve(Maggie), Mark(Dottie), and David(Darlene) Merrill and Linda Hendley, 18 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. Pat often said, "Don't tell me about your faith, show me your faith." Each of us, in our own way, will strive to keep her memory/legacy alive by living our lives by her example. Pat was a woman of many firsts. And not to be outdone, even in death, we are proud to say she was the first person to be cremated in the newly refurbished crematorium at the Prosser Funeral Home. Cheers to you, Pat/Mom/Granpat! No memorial or special services have been planned. Rather than flowers, please make donations to Hospice or your food bank. You may leave a message for the family at www.Prosserfuneralhome.com