Yvonne Wagoner

The long and full life of Yvonne Wagoner came to an end on Aug. 8, 2015, when she died peacefully at Spokane Hospice House.

Yvonne was born in Julesburg, Colo. to O. William and Orra Etta Bauer.  She attended 11 different public schools and graduated from Colorado Women's College in 1941. 

Upon graduation, she went to work as a clerk in the Denver Union Stockyards.  While working in Denver, she met Elbert Wagoner stationed at Lowry Field.  In 1947 she was hired as a stewardess with United Airlines and flew until 1949, when she and Elbert became engaged. They were married on Aug. 3, 1949, and moved to Elbert's hometown of Coulee City, Wash. 

They moved to Cheney in 1951 when Elbert purchased a business that he operated until 1978.  Four children were born over five years. 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 childrens' Cub Scout and Blue Bird groups.

When the children grew older she became increasingly active in Cheney United Methodist Church.  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.  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 enjoyed meals at local restaurants with friends and family, and car rides around familiar neighborhoods in Cheney and the surrounding countryside.

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, Wash.; daughter Linda Wagoner of Deer Harbor, Wash., as well as six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.  

Funeral services were held at Cheney United Methodist Church Wednesday, Aug. 12. Graveside services will be at Spokane Memorial Gardens at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 13. 

Memorial donations may be made to Cheney UMC or a charity of choice. Cheney Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.