Obituary of Dr. Mary Barbara Oliver

Dr. Mary Barbara (Yaunke) Oliver, 73, of Bancroft, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, June 16, 2025, enveloped in the love of her family.

Born on July 22, 1951, in Ontonagon, Michigan, to Albert and Annabelle Yaunke, Mary was the youngest of four daughters. Raised in the rugged beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, she developed a lifelong love for the outdoors, often fishing and hunting with her father. Her deep connection to her hometown drew her back each summer to spend cherished time with her parents, a tradition she held dear throughout her life.
Mary graduated from Ontonagon High School in 1969 and pursued higher education with passion, earning a degree in speech pathology from Northern Michigan University. She later obtained her teaching certification from the University of Michigan-Flint after relocating to Durand. In 1990, Mary found her true calling as an Alternative Education teacher at Corunna Public Schools, where she described her work as the pinnacle of her career. Her commitment to education deepened as she earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership from Marygrove College in 2008. Mary also shared her expertise as an adult education instructor and college professor at Baker College, leaving a lasting impact on her students until her retirement in 2013.

On June 30, 1990, Mary married Tom Oliver, her partner in life and service. The couple met while working as EMTs for Durand Vernon Ambulance, bonded by their dedication to helping others. Together, they nurtured a shared passion for amateur radio, spending countless hours immersed in the hobby that brought them joy and connection.
Mary’s love for beagles was a cornerstone of her life. As an active member of the Northern Michigan Hare Association and an AKC Field Trial Judge, she found immense happiness in the companionship of her dogs, whose spirited presence brightened her days.

Above all, Mary was a devoted family woman. She leaves behind a legacy of love as a proud mother to her five children: Weldon Ylitalo, Cheri (Ylitalo) Smith, Melissa (Ylitalo) Boulton, Clyde Ylitalo, and Claudette Ylitalo. Her heart swelled with pride for her grandchildren—Bryant Boulton, Corey Falsone, Noah Boulton, and Allison Falsone—and her great-grandsons, Jackson Boulton, Drake Sturkey, and Mason Boulton, whom she adored beyond measure. Mary’s life was woven with moments of joy spent with her family, creating memories that will endure for generations.

Mary is survived by her beloved husband, Tom Oliver; her sisters, Sue Knopp, Billie Banse, and Alberta (Bob) Wroblewski; her daughter, Melissa Boulton; her son, Clyde Ylitalo; and her nieces and nephews, Mark, Todd, Amy, and Derek. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Annabelle Yaunke, her son Weldon Ylitalo and daughters Cheri (Ylitalo) Smith and Claudette Ylitalo.

In accordance with Mary’s wishes, no service or memorial celebration will be held. Her family encourages those who knew her to honor her memory by cherishing time with loved ones and embracing the passions that bring joy, just as Mary did so wholeheartedly.

To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com. Arrangements made with Cremation Society of Mid-Michigan.