YACHATS – Friend of former longtime Yachats resident Joni Bicksler will be at the Yachats Farmers Market on Sunday to collect donations to put a memorial plaque on a refurbished bench at the Post Office.
Bicksler lived in Yachats for 33 years and died July 23, 2023 in Newport Beach, Calif. where she moved two years ago to be near her son. She was 85.
Joni Bicksler and her husband, Burd, owned the multi-colored tile-roofed house on Yachats River Road near downtown. They developed the four lots next to that house and called it Shoreburd Vista. They named the street Joni’s Way because she always got her way, said Elaine Watkins, one of the friends organizing the fundraising effort.
Joni Bicksler was well known in town for her fashion statement boots, color-coordinated outfits, scarves and jewelry — and a manicure to match. After Burd Bicksler died in 2014, she adapted by walking into town every day, rain or shine. She’d buy a coffee, banana and muffin at the market and then go sit in the bench in front of the Post Office where she held court. People would sit and visit with her, Watkins said, and on her way home, she’d get a cup of chowder from Luna Sea and a big ice cream from Topper’s.
She had regular support from her close friend, Wendy Snidow, members of Yachats Baptist Church, and Pastor James Sanders and his wife, Elaine.
Watkins and Beelee Tobin are organizing a fundraiser to buy a memorial plaque for the Post Office bench. Beelee will have a donations table at the farmers market from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13. Contributions can also be mailed to Elaine Watkins at P.O. Box 236, Yachats, 97498.
The group is hoping to raise $300 to buy the plaque and refinish the bench. There will be a dedication ceremony when the project is finished.