The Mass of Christian Burial is 11:00 AM Saturday, October 26th at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church where a visitation will begin at 9:00 AM, with a Eulogy at 10:45 AM. A burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery North. Donations can be made to either the Yvonne E. “Robbins” Reynolds Endowment Scholarship Fund, Bradley University, 1501 W. Bradley Ave, Peoria, IL 61625 (checks can be made to Bradley University and in the memo mention the scholarship name) or donations can be made to St. Andrews Parish.
Yvonne was born October 4, 1928, to Chauncey and Vida G. (Boehle) Robbins in Amboy, IL and is the eldest and only survivor of six children. Yvonne grew up on a farm where she learned hard work and service to others. She graduated from Amboy High School where she was nominated prom queen and went on to graduate from Bradley University with a degree in Social Work. She then went to work for the Lee County Mental Health association, where she participated in the early development of mental health care versus the standard in that day of institutionalizing those with mental health concerns and special needs.
On September 8, 1951, she married James J. Reynolds and together they had ten children. The first 12 years of marriage were spent in their hometown of Dixon, IL where they had the first eight of their ten children. The family moved to Kansas City in 1964 where the last of their two children were born. Yvonne always put her husband’s and children’s needs before her own. She was strong and dedicated, managing a large family and busy household with incredible efficiency. During the early years of her life, she taught her children the value of serving others through her actions. She led by example by visiting nursing homes, volunteering at church, helping the sick, and providing beds to those in need, all while managing the daily responsibilities of caring for a large family. It is a touching reflection on her selflessness and dedication to her family.
Yvonne was also involved in her community, volunteering for various organizations. She was an active member of St. Andrew the Apostle Church, and the Altar and Rosary Society, Our Lady of Mercy charity, and served as secretary of the Meadow Lanes Homeowner Association for over 20 years. A devout Catholic, Yvonne was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church for 50 years where many of her children were educated. She had a beautiful singing voice and loved singing in the church choir. Yvonne also studied and taught Graphoanalysis, the study of handwriting for many years. She was a passionate bridge player and always enjoyed card games with her children and grandchildren.
Yvonne exhibited unwavering determination, courage, and poise while confronting immense challenges as a result of her husband's stroke, which occurred when she was just 48 years old. While Dad was hospitalized, she tended to him, but also continued to care for their six children remaining at home with no help. Following her husband's passing, she spent years traveling with her aunt, attending North China Marines Prisoners of War reunions annually. Her uncle was a prisoner of war for years. She functioned as the POWs' honorary family member and provided an empathetic ear to those who needed their voices to be heard.
Yvonne’s life was driven by her faith, strong values, and a commitment to see through the task at hand, no matter how small or large. Her family was everything to her. She was a dedicated mother and grandmother and loved spending time with her family and friends. Yvonne was always encouraging, always spoke the truth, was quick to forgive and encouraged others to forgive their past mistakes and do the right thing in the present moment and going forward. The essence of Yvonne was setting a virtuous example, allowing others the opportunity to gain experience from their own mistakes. She was born on Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi and the St. Francis Prayer was her favorite; she closely lived her life aligned with its’ values. She believed in the integration of the entire person - spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental. You must use them, or you will lose them. It was the secret to living for 96 years!
In addition to her parents and siblings, Yvonne was preceded in death by her husband, James J. Reynolds, March 30, 1985, and son, Jerome E. Reynolds on February 5, 2001. Yvonne is survived by her 9 children, Maureen Vrlicak, Linda Brown (Ed), Mary Anderson (Rodney), Martin Reynolds, James Reynolds (Lisa), Maria Reynolds, Lisa Taylor (Paul), Elizabeth Billhartz (Brian), and Kathryn Reavey (James); grandchildren Kathryn Vrlicak, Meghan Vrlicak, Erica Stephens, Grant Brown, Brad Wilson, Andrea Voss , Adam Reynolds, Preston Workman, Joshua Workman, James Taylor, Kyle Taylor, Brooke Meyer, Merissa Garcia , Jake Billhartz, Coleman Reavey and Gabby Reavey, as well as 21 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great Great Granddaughter.
The Reynolds family wishes to extend a special thank-you to the NorthCare Hospice House for their compassionate care of Mom.
