Mary Lea Yokum
Mary Lea Yokum passed away on June 2, 2025. She was born Dec. 17, 1929, in Dry Fork, W. Va.
After graduating from high school, she attended nursing school in Baltimore, Md. She met the love of her life while he was in the hospital she was training in. She and Walter G. Yokum married on Feb. 13, 1949. They moved to Chardon in 1953.
Mary Lea delivered The Cleveland Press for many years and worked full time at Geauga Hospital until retiring at the age of 75.
Their home was always the place to gather. She loved cooking and baking for everyone. Many, many picnics were held in their backyard.
She was the strong one … the glue that kept our family together and happy. She was a selfless person, a hard worker and never complained.
We were raised in Sunday School, church and Vacation Bible School.
Mary Lea was predeceased by her sisters, Naomi, Savannah and Vallie; brothers, Tom, Willis and Oliver; mother, Pearlie White; father, Wilbert; and her husband of 44 years, Walter G. Yokum, and her second husband, Dean Muller.
She is survived by her sons, Walter M. Yokum (Willie), Michael A. Yokum (Beth); daughters, Brenda K. Myers (Mike) and Norma Jane Gregory; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a 1 p.m. service, on Monday, June 9, 2025, at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon, with a burial to follow at Claridon Center Cemetery.
Arrangements are entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.burrservice.com.
