Obituary of Martha Jean Yeager

DOB 01/04/1932 DOD 03/05/2025 Written and provided by Martha's children. Martha (Marty) Reames Yeager Born January 4, 1932 in Seattle, Washington to Thomas and Nellie Booker. Passed away March 5, 2025 in Kennewick, Washington. Marty grew up in Othello, Washington. Enjoying music during high school, she graduated from OHS in 1951. She then attended University of Washington where she also enjoyed course work in music before leaving to marry her sweetheart Bruce E. Reames in 1953. Together they lived in Ione, Washington until they later built their home on the farm in Othello in 1964. They had a very fulfilling marriage of over 50 years until Bruce passed away in 2003. While her children were growing up Marty enjoyed supporting her husband role as a scout leader, her son’s scouting adventures and was a Girl Scout leader to her daughters, attending many scouting trips over the years including The National Jamboree. Marty enjoyed travel and took many trips with Bruce and their children in the US and up through Canada to Alaska to spend time with good friends The Elliot’s (Jerry (d), Carol (d), Cindy Manning and Kathy Robinson as well as, Australia to visit her daughter and family and also enjoyed many trips to Mexico. Marty also travelled to The Holy Lands with her Mother. Her love of music led her to being active in Community Theater Guild for many years- having a role in Fiddler on The Roof, South Pacific and other productions. Later she joined Othello Choral Society performing in their Cantata each Christmas over many decades. Music was very present in our home with a tradition of singing songs around the children and grandchildren’s bed after being tucked in. She was a member of the Othello Presbyterian Church for almost 70 years being actively involved in church, Sunday school and vacation bible school to name a few, as well as always being willing to donate her time, gardening and baking skills- providing cookies, tarts, cakes, and pies whenever needed. Having been an avid baker and gardener, she entered many baked goods, flowers and vegetables in Adam’s County Fair winning many ribbons. When visitors came to the farm, they were assured to be well fed and have a greater understanding of plants in her garden when they left. Whenever her children and grandchildren had birthdays, you can rest assured she had baked a cake, with it often resembling the theme of the month’s holiday. Each one of her children and grandchildren were guided through baking something in her kitchen. Many great memories were created on the farm including family BBQs, reunions, property tree trimming, and holiday activities. Marty worked at Chef Redy sorting potatoes and Scootney Springs Middle School as a teacher’s aide until together Bruce and Marty built the Driftwood Inn and enjoyed serving the community and teams after games for years. Marty made homemade chili and clam chowder and to this day people recall them as well as The Bruce Burger, Beachcomber, and Driftwood Special. After they sold the restaurant she worked as a chore worker for older members of the community until her retirement. Marty had a hand in several projects in Othello, such as a recognition plaque for founders of Pioneer Park and the naming of Booker Road east of Othello, where her family were homesteaders. She is survived by brother David Booker, brother-in-law Kingsley Fairchild, children; Robin (Mable), Ted (Donna), Betsy (Kevin) and Jennifer. Grandchildren; Terra (Andrew) Zach (Jori), Nicolette, Jair, Caleb (Hannah), Kaden (Celine), and Natasia and (Kevin). As well as great-grandchildren; Zoe, Mason, Luke, Audrey, William, Elliot, Michael, Daniel, Maria, Kenzo and Kayah. As well as many Nieces and Nephews. Preceded in death by parents; Thomas and Nellie Booker (Logan), husband; Bruce Reames, brother; Thomas Randolph (Randy) Booker III, sister-in-law; Eileen Booker (Hansen), sister; Elizabeth Jane (Janie) Fairchild and Nephew Steve Phelps.