She was born on December 16, 1944 in Midland Texas to Moise and Delfina Alvarez Velarde.
Grandma Yogi loved sewing, cooking and was an avid gardener. She worked a number of years at Neff's Plant Nursery and carried that love for plants with her throughout her life. She definitely had a green thumb! Between making last minute costumes for her grandchildren and being one of the fiercest women you could ever meet. Grandma was a multifaceted person with many stories to tell. We who knew her best and loved her most keep the memory of her in our hearts always. She grew with us and we lament her loss. Rest in peace Grandma, we love you.
Yolanda is survived by her husband Jesse Franco of Colorado City and by her children Judie Minsker and husband David of Midland, Jesse Franco Jr and wife Tenah of Austin, Becky Franco of Colorado City, Isreal Franco of Austin, and Sandra Franco Charlson of Austin, as well as by her grandchildren Vanessa and husband Ismael, Valerie, Alexandria and husband TJ, Kendra, Marcus, Julianna, Joe Michael and wife Megan, Monica, Lazarus, Christian, Madalyn, Gabriel, Jesse, Dane, and Jessica, and by her great-grandchildren Mackenzie, Sophia, Marcus, Masen, and Isabella. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by a daughter Christina Castro and by her siblings Raymundo Velarde, Roman Velarde, Bobby Velarde, and Paula Chavez.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Yolanda will be held on Wednesday, March 14th at 10 am at Saint Ann’s Catholic Church with Father Tony Franco and Father Michael Udegbunam officiating, burial will follow in the Mitchell County Cemetery, A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 13th from 6-8 pm in the Kiker Seale Funeral Home Chapel with a Rosary to be performed at 7 pm.
Those wishing may leave online condolences by visiting www.kikerseale.com
