The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Charity Maxine ( Conover) Mercer, age 93, passed away on April 26, 2011 at Park Manor Rehabilitation Center in Walla Walla.

Maxine was born in Waitsburg on September 7, 1917 to Forrest and Carrie (Clark) Conover. She attended Waitsburg High School, class of 1935 and graduated from Whitman College in 1939. She taught English and business classes at Ashland, Oregon, and Bickelton and Grandview, Washington.

Maxine married Jim Rusk and they operated Rusk Turkey Farm until his death. She continued to be a successful business woman in the agriculture industry.

On February 25, 1986, Maxine married Milt Mercer. They enjoyed traveling around the United States. Mr. Mercer preceded her in death in 1998.

Maxine was an accomplished violinist, teaching the violin to many students and playing her violin for the enjoyment of others. Maxine was an avid golfer and bridge player. Maxine was a member of the Christian Church, Delta Delta Delta Sorority, Chapter K PEO in Prosser, and the Yakima County Republican Party.

Maxine is survived by her brother Ellsworth Conover and wife Sherrill, nephew Larry Conover (Pam), nieces Debra Hunter (Dave), and Terri Stroud (David), two step- sons, Rick and Don Mercer, and step daughter Pat Hall, numerous step grandchildren, great grand children, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Step-son Bud Mercer and Gerald Rusk preceded her in death.

A memorial was held at the First Christian Church in Waitsburg on May 2, with Herring Groseclose Funeral Home taking care of the family.