Obituary of Martha E. Yoak

Martha Elizabeth Yoak, aged 82, died November 14, 2025, after a long illness. She was born December 17, 1942, in Barboursville, West Virginia to Robert Yoak and Thelma Louise Scott. Her family later moved to Illinois and then to Iowa, where she lived most of her life.

Martha attended various grade schools in Iowa and graduated from Mitchellville High School in 1960. She attended Grandview College, Grinnell College, and Roosevelt University. Martha received a Bachelor’s degree in 1967 and her Master’s degree in English education in 1976, both from the University of Iowa. She was accepted to the University of Iowa's Iowa Writers workshop but was unable to attend due to illness.

Martha was a poet. She was published in the anthology “New Poet, Women” (Berkley) and in several periodicals including several issues of Lyrical Iowa.

Martha also won 1st place in several poetry competitions.

In 2002 Martha published a book of her poetry, titled “In Her Hands”. She was working on a second book when she became ill.

A cat lover, Martha always had a feline companion. Martha enjoyed being outdoors; walking, watching animals, and especially going for long bike rides. She was always interested in meeting new people and learning about their lives. Helping other people was important to her. Martha played several musical instruments during her life and loved singing.

Martha faced challenges thoughout her life, but she always persevered.

She moved to the Solon Nursing Care Home in September 2001.

Martha is survived by her sister Jeri McCurnin and husband Dennis McCurnin and by her niece and nephew and their children. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Charles