Merle Novak

Born august 14, 1927 in Ocosta, WA to C.J. Hulet and Lou Ellen Bamford Hulet, She was the oldest of 4 siblings, a twin passed at 8 months. Born into a logging family her father was killed in a logging accident when she was just 14. Merle attended school in Aberdeen and graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1945.

She married John F. Novak July 1, 1949 at St. Mary’s Church.

Merle helped at St. Mary’s School and Civic Clubs. She worked at Rosevears Music Store as she loved jazz/big band and was an outstanding dancer, winning Jitterbug contests. She also worked at Tom Burk Drug, St Joseph’s Hospital before finding her niche as a Library Aide at Weatherwax High School for over 20 years. She loved to read and screened what books should be allowed in the library. Summers were spent at Black Lake in Columbus Park where she picked black berried and relaxed with her children. After retirement Merle and John moved to Tumwater and have lived in a retirement community (Thunderbird Village) where she was active with club house activities. She never missed her Tuesday night Bingo game- it was her night out with the girls.

She loved to travel, especially to Kauai, where she enjoyed their time share on the beach and playing golf. She joined a ladies golf club at Delphi Golf and Country Club ‘The Nine Hollers’. In recent years Merle and John liked going to the local casinos for food and entertainment.

Merle is survived by her husband John F. Novak, daughter Marsha K. McDonald, son Mark J. Novak, grandchild Gavin J. McDonald, great grandchild Mia McDonald, siblings Lila Elway, Russell Hulet, and Sybil Petrie, many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass and celebration of life is planned for Thursday, December 20, 2012 at noon at St Michaels Catholic Church in Olympia, Wa. Please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society in Merle’s memory.