Yolanda Islas

Yolanda, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend, passed away on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at her home in San Antonio, Texas. She was born May 1, 1941, in Retalhuleu, Guatemala, to the late Alphonse Kech and Juana Rodas de Kech.

Yolanda earned a master’s degree in education and dedicated her career to teaching bilingual kindergarten and first grade, retiring after 35 years of inspiring young minds. A lifelong adventurer, Yolanda traveled extensively, immersing herself in the cultures and beauty of countries around the world. Her love for dance was equally boundless, and she remained an active participant in dance groups up until her passing, sharing her joy and grace with others.

Yolanda was a proud mother and grandmother who adored her family and cherished every moment spent together. Her deep faith and close relationship with God guided her life and sustained her through every season. A bright spirit who always sought the positive in life, Yolanda’s infectious optimism and vibrant energy touched everyone she met. Her zest for life was truly inspiring, and she leaves behind a legacy of joy, kindness, and an unwavering belief in the beauty of the world around us.

She was preceded in death by siblings Thelma Diaz Kech, Roberto Kech, Jose Alphonso Kech, and Blanca Sanchez Kech. She is survived by her husband of almost 60 years, Ruben Islas of San Antonio; son, Ruben Islas Jr. of Kansas City, Missouri; daughter Lizbeth Plaster and husband, Frank of Flower Mound, Texas; brothers, Guillermo Kech of Retalhuleu, Guatemala and Arnoldo Kech and wife, Milta of Santa Ana, California; grandchildren, Jared Islas, Jacob Islas, Samantha Plaster, and Joshua Plaster; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other loving family members and friends.

The family has asked that memorial contributions be made to your choice of the following: the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org) or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/).