Yolanda Martha DeVito

Anyone can pull off wearing a hat and glasses, but Yolanda DeVito was in a class by herself, sporting the largest and most colorful hats with wide framed dark sunglasses, set off by bright lipstick. Accessories and makeup could not hide the lively and joyful personality beneath. Yolanda’s vivacious life began in San Diego, California, when she was born to Veli Alicia (Alice) Macias and Guadalupe Jesus Cabrera on October 7, 1943. She was the eldest of four children, growing up with younger brothers Richard, Wayne, and Ronald Cabrera. Later, through her parents’ second marriages, she gained a sister, Charlene Rapley, and brothers Jason Aguirre and James Cabrera.

Yolanda attended what was then known as St. Francis De Sales Girls School. After high school, she studied cosmetology and became a beautician. She later worked as an administrative assistant at Linda Gay’s Dance Studio for ten years until 1985. The core of her life, though, was the family she created.

She is survived by her husband of almost 53 years, Craig DeVito of Riverside, and their two daughters, Jessica Yolanda Hippensteel, 59, of Bullhead City, Arizona, and Jennifer Yolanda DeVito-Patten, 49, of Riverside. She delighted in granddaughter Melissa Janelle Spiers, 37, of Yukon, Oklahoma, and grandson Christopher Aaron Metheney, 30, of Caledonia, Wisconsin. She thought of Craig and herself as a second set of parents to their grandchildren, and she relished their summer visits as youngsters.

Yolanda adored nothing more than spending time with her family, whether celebrating holidays together at home or going out to eat. She affectionately referred to Craig as Hubby. She doted on their daughters, happily taxiing them around as teens and later celebrating their marriages as adults. Their best friends became honorary members of the family, and she was as generous and giving with them as she was with her own children.

Yolanda’s pets were also part of her dearly loved family throughout her life. She grew up with Siamese cats always by her side. As an adult, she rescued many strays, giving them forever homes. From a poodle named Trixie to a dachshund known as Ringo to the tortoiseshell cat Amy, many animals shared their lives with her, some even spending their last moments in her arms.

Her love for all made her quirks even more endearing. Family and friends knew not to wake her early, for she enjoyed watching cable TV late through the night. She was always ready to pop by the McDonald’s drive thru or spend time shopping at Nordstrom, fondly known as Nordie’s. She loved getting her hair done. She hated admitting her age. She gave oddly fun nicknames to many cats. She called herself Lolly. She laughed.

Yolanda DeVito was marked by her tender caring for loved ones and a fervent desire to simply enjoy living. Her life, then, was a success, and her memory will radiate in the lives of all who loved her.