Yvonne Wagoner

WAGONER, Yvonne The long and full life of Yvonne Wagoner came to an end on August 8, 2015, when she died peacefully at Spokane Hospice House. Yvonne was born in Julesburg, Colorado to O. William and Orra Etta Bauer. She attended 11 different public schools in Colorado and neighboring states, and graduated from Colorado Women's College in 1941 with an A.S. degree. Upon graduation, she went to work as a clerk in the Denver Union Stockyards. While working in Denver, she met Elbert Wagoner, a young Master Sergeant in the Army Air Force who was stationed at Lowry Field. In 1947 she was hired to her dream job as a stewardess with United Airlines. She flew with United until 1949, when she and Elbert became engaged. They were married on August 3, 1949, and moved to Elbert's home town of Coulee City, WA. They moved to Cheney in 1951 when Elbert purchased a business that he successfully operated until 1978. Four children were born over five years, and Yvonne devoted herself to raising a family. She stayed home with her children, read to them, encouraged them, and taught them life lessons. She taught Vacation Bible School, was active in PTA, and volunteered with her children's Cub Scout and Blue Bird groups. When the children grew older she became increasingly active in Cheney United Methodist Church, serving on several committees. She was active in PEO and was a volunteer at Spokane Community Mental Health Center. Following Elbert's retirement, the couple vacationed each winter in Hawaii. They regularly walked in Bloomsday, the Great Aloha Run, and Volksmarch events. Their first grandchild was born in 1980, and five others followed over the next decade. After Elbert's death in 1991, Yvonne continued to be involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She organized annual family reunions that were attended by children, spouses, grandchildren, and friends, and that continue to this day. She traveled to Elderhostels with her sister and with her grandchildren. She remained an active volunteer in Cheney Methodist Church until well into her 70s, and attended the church into her 90s. In her declining years she continued to delight those who knew her. She enjoyed meals at local restaurants with friends and family, and car rides around familiar neighborhoods in Cheney and the surrounding countryside. Yvonne was known for her intelligence, wisdom, and her ability to converse easily with anyone she met and make lasting friendships. She had an engaging sense of humor that she retained until her final weeks. She was an outstanding mother, and her children feel incredibly fortunate and thankful to have been raised by exceptional parents. She was preceded in death by brother Billy Dean Bauer, husband Elbert, and son Bill. She is survived by brother Bob Bauer and sister Phyllis Delmont, both of the Denver area; son Richard Wagoner of Seattle; daughter Leslie Wagoner of Tukwila, daughter Linda Wagoner of Deer Harbor; six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a legion of devoted family members, friends, and caregivers. Funeral services will be held at Cheney United Methodist Church at 4:00 p.m on Wednesday, August 12, with a reception to follow. Graveside services will be at Spokane Memorial Gardens at 11:00 am on Thursday, August 13. Memorial donations may be made to Cheney UMC or a charity of choice.

Yvonne Wagoner

October 24, 1921 - August 8, 2015