Wanema Yvonne (Mills) Leard

Yvonne went to be with our Lord after 91 astonishing years. She was born in Chicago, IL during the Great Depression generation to Evan and Ruby Mills. At the age of 14, she survived Polio and walked again. She met a handsome young sailor, Joe Leard and they were married for 25 years and had 3 children. Yvonne made her career in the banking industry with Credit Union One, where she retired in 1995, with many lasting friendships. She was a wonderful daughter, sister, mother and friend.

She is preceded in death by her son, Ronald E. Leard, and is survived by her brother, Wayne Mills and sister-in-law, Nora Mills and her daughters, Donna J. Stiles and Traci Leard Guptill; grand-sons, Jonathan C. Kurtz, Jason D. Edmonds, Scott E. Leard; granddaughters, Rhondi V. Digiorno, Amber D. Guptill and one great great grandchild, Evan J. Kurtz.

She founded the Polio Survivors of Oklahoma. She enjoyed jazz music in Oklahoma City at places such as Fuzzy’s on Classen Boulevard, a popular venue during the 60s and 70s and had a close friendship with trombone player Walt Durham. Yvonne had a generous, happy, fun loving spirit never complained about her health issues. She was a caretaker for her mother Ruby for 25 years. A member and faithful follower of Christ at Northwest Baptist Church, where she attended regularly while physically able.

She was able to remain at home until her last few days under the care of her daughter, Traci Guptill and grandson, Jonathan C. Kurtz and his wife, Zuly Kurtz. She is dearly missed by family, loved ones and many friends she made over her lifetime. There will be a video tribute to her life at Chapel Hill funeral Home. We love you Yvonne, save us a spot next to you.