Merlynn Mcomber

Merlynn Brown Reynolds McOmber
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Corvallis - "Minnie" was born on January 9, 1954 in Tooele, Utah to Quentin and Nettie Brown. Surrounded by her family, she passed away October l, 2014 at Marcus Daly Hospice Center at the age of 60. As a child her parents moved from Utah to the family ranch East of Corvallis where she grew up. Merlynn loved the ranch and helping with the chores. She attended school in Corvallis and graduated with the class of 1972. -

She married Butch Reynolds in August of 1972 and together they had two sons Joe and Josh. Rodeo was a big part of their life and the tradition carried on with Joe and Josh throughout the years. Merlynn and Butch later divorced but have remained close friends along with the entire Reynolds family.

A new chapter in Merlynn's life began when she met Cal McOmber. They have shared many years and special times together. They were married in December of 1992. White water rafting was a favorite sport they enjoyed and have been on many float trips throughout the years. She had a great love for the Salmon River and its history. Cal and Merlynn have taken family and friends on many trips and have always shown everyone a great time. She would be able to list all the rapids and campsites along the way and tell the story of how it was named. We all have great memories on the "River of No Return."

The Green Bay Packers and NASCAR's Jimmy Johnson have lost their #1 fan. She had the time of her life when she was able to attend a game at Lambeau Field and take many trips to Las Vegas for races. Collecting antiques was a favorite hobby and she has many "treasures" to show for it. (just ask Cal!) She was often heard saying "stay behind me" in a store while shopping so she could get the first look. Merlynn loved to travel and she and Cal have taken many trips together over the years. Some of her most favorite were the trips that included scuba diving and snorkeling. We have always heard stories about all the beautiful sea life they encountered. Other activities she enjoyed were gardening, golfing, skiing, camping, fishing and watching Grizzly Football. She liked Horseback riding and helping with the Bitter Root Stock Farm yearly branding.

Merlynn was an amazing cook and having family dinners was a tradition at the McOmber home. We will miss her in the kitchen even though she told us we were all "guinea pigs" when she wanted to try a new recipe. She had a special ability to write Poems or short stories even at a moment's notice. Cal remarked how our dad would call sometimes hours before a function and ask her to write a poem and she always got it done. Painting was another talent and she has left behind many beautiful pictures for us to treasure. Animals had a special place in her heart and she worked at the Bitter Root Veterinary Clinic for many years before taking over book keeping for Cal at the Corvallis Tavern.

Throughout the years at the Corvallis Tavern she has made many good friends. She had an infectious laugh and her smile would light up the room. Her sense of humor and quick wit was enjoyed by everyone. The bar was always decorated for different holidays and events and it was fun to go in on Halloween to see how Merlynn was dressed up. Cal and Merlynn have a Christmas party every - year for their customers and many hours are spent by the both of them to prepare food to show how much they appreciated everyone.

Merlynn had a heart of gold and will always be remembered for the way she put everyone else first especially her family. It did not matter what a person needed, she would do whatever she could to help without a second thought. She never expected anything in return she just loved to make people happy. "Aunt Minnie" was adored by children especially her nieces and nephews. They enjoyed coming to visit so they could ride horses with her and Uncle Cal. Her grandchildren will miss her dearly. She loved being their "grannie" and would spoil them any chance she got.

Merlynn is survived by her wonderful husband Cal; son, Josh Reynolds of Ekalaka, MT.; stepchildren, Calvin (Tonia) McOmber, Dene' (Gary) Hellickson of Boise, ID; Daughter-in-law Sarah Reynolds of Glendive, Mt; Grandsons, Quentin "Rowdy" Reynolds of Ekalaka, MT. and Sean Reynolds of Rocky Boy, MT along with numerous grandchildren and great Grandchildren in Boise, ID; sisters, Becky (Jim) Hughes of Portland, OR., Christine (Bob) Undem of Boise, ID., and Tana (Robert) Brown of Corvallis; brothers, Phil (Kathy) Brown of Shelby, MT., Butch (Jamie) Brown of Centerville, UT., and Doug Brown of Corvallis., along with numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and all her great friends.

She was preceded in death by her son, Joe Reynolds and her parents, Quentin and Nettie Brown.

Per Merlynn's request, in lieu of flowers, please make donations in her name to the Bitterroot Youth Home or the Safe House.

In closing with Merlynn's famous words, "I gotta go cuz, I'm just too busy!"