April Lynn Yost

April Lynn Yost, 40 passed away unexpectedly on July 20, 2025, in Pomona, California. Born on Dec. 17, 1984, in Albion, Michigan, April lived a life marked by compassion, dedication to education and an unwavering love for her family and community.

April’s academic journey was a testament to her intelligence and determination. She earned her Associate of Arts degree from Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek, Michigan in May 2005, where she was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. She continued her studies at Albion College in Albion, Michigan, graduating in May 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Sociology and a concentration in Law, Justice and Society. Her passion for student development led her to pursue a Master of Arts in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan, which she completed in July 2011. At the time of her passing, April was just one class away from completing her Doctorate. A milestone she eagerly anticipated with pride and joy.

April dedicated her professional life to higher education and student engagement. She was currently working as Director of Student Services for COCM in Pomona, California. She served as Housing Director and Shiperd Hall Director at Olivet College in Olivet, Michigan; Assistant Director of Student Activities and Dole Hall Director at the same institution; Interim Assistant Director for Greek Life and Student Organizations at Albion College in Albion, Michigan; Student Events Coordinator at Colorado State University- Pueblo; and Residence Hall Director at Albion College in Albion, Michigan. In Each role, April brought warmth, creativity and an unshakable commitment to student success.

Those who know April remember her as someone with a heart of gold. Always putting others before herself and always offering help whenever it was needed. Her love for animals was profound. She adored her fur babies, Maggie and Javier. She recently developed a fondness for birds and always maintained their feeders. April also had a keen eye for treasure hunting through thrift stores. She delighted in finding unique items that held hidden value.

Family meant everything to April. She is lovingly remembered by her father and mother Timothy and Teresa Collins, sister Stephanie (Tony) Moore, brother Thurl Young (Sahra Bowles), nieces Tara Moore and Alissa Moore, nephews Ashton Moore, Aiden Moore and Carter Clemence, aunts and uncles David and Donna Barlond, James Brown and Glenda Moore, Dotty and Sherry Hall, Glen and Pamela Bentley, Tim and Carol Daniels, numerous cousins and endless friends. April was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Robert and Irene King and uncle Christopher King.

April’s legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched with her kindness, intelligence, humor and fierce loyalty. Her absence leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who truly loved her deeply. As an organ donor, April’s spirit lives on through her last selfless act of kindness.

May the memory of April Lynn Yost bring comfort to all who knew her, and may we carry forward the light she so generously shared with the world. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure.

A celebration of April’s life will be held at Grace Free Will Baptist Church (16680 W Michigan Ave) in Albion, MI on Friday, August 22, 2025. Visitation will take place from 11AM – 12PM, with a Celebration of Life following at 12:00PM. A luncheon will be held at the church immediately after the service.