Sherry Yonke

Sherry Yonke passed away peacefully at the St. Luke’s Hospice House. She was surrounded by her loving family. Sherry was born on October 16, 1942 in Kansas City, Missouri and was a lifelong resident of Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated from Bishop Hogan High School and went on to obtain a degree in education from Loretta Heights College in Denver Colorado in 1962 at the young age of 20. She then began her first love, teaching the fifth grade at John Luff Elementary School. Her love for teaching continued after she started a family. She volunteered at at several schools in the Center School District for over 12 years. She married Al Yonke in 1967 and had her only child Mike the following year. Unquestionably, Sherry’s faith and family were always the most important thing in her life.

She was blessed with three beautiful grandchildren, Michelle, Chloe and Albie. She considered her daughter in law Janelle to be her own daughter. She was active in all parts of her son’s life, coaching his TBall team and lending a hand in every activity he participated in. She was known as a second mom to all of her son’s friends who would spent many days at her house swimming in the pool or hanging out in the basement. Sherry was not only the greatest mother anyone could have but the most incredible Nana to her grandchildren. Her life revolved around her grandchildren. She was active in their lives, reading books to their class, attending their supporting events and taking them to do many fun activities. She was truly loved by her grandchildren. They will miss her deeply. Sherry’s faith was a mainstay in her life. She attended mass daily at St. Thomas More and St. Catherine of Siena. She would tell everyone that she was blessed that God brought Fr. Sunoj Thomas and Fr. Don Farnan into her life. They brought an inner peace to her heart and soul. Sherry was loved by many and will be missed beyond her imagination.

She is survived by her son Mike and his wife Janelle, grandchildren, Michelle Patterson, Chloe Yonke and Albert Yonke, her sisters Judy Klein and Vicki Hilliard and her two friends Larry Foerst and Rick Mayer who she considered her brothers. She was preceded in death by her husband Albert Yonke, her parents Melvin and Alberta Hilliard and her sister Mary Frost. Sherry would want the family to extend thanks to her longtime friend and doctor, Dr. David Wilt and his nurse Latricia who were like family.

Visitation will be held Monday May 8, 2017 at 10 a.m. at St Catherine of Siena Church located at 4701 E. 105th Terr. Kansas City, Missouri 64137. Mass of Christian burial will be held immediately thereafter, beginning at 11 a.m; burial following at Mount Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to St. Catherine Church of Siena.