Nona Joan (“Mema”) Yingst, age 90, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on July 5, 2026.
While many knew her as Joan, to her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren she was lovingly known as “Mema.”
Joan was born on February 28, 1936, in Wichita, Kansas, to Guy J. Lane and Juanita Hemphill. She graduated from West High School in 1954. On August 25, 1954, she married the love of her life, Edward E. Yingst. Together they shared 50 years of marriage until Edward's passing on December 23, 2004.
Joan was a devoted wife, loving mother, and dedicated homemaker whose greatest joy was caring for her family. She was a faithful member of the Jehovah's Witnesses, and her deep faith remained a guiding light throughout her life.
She found joy in life’s simple pleasures: building her collection of family photos, getting lost in a good book, settling in to watch her favorite television shows, and, above all, spending precious time with her family.
Those who knew Joan will remember her caring and compassionate heart, her wonderful sense of humor, and the kindness she showed to everyone around her.
Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward E. Yingst; her parents, Guy J. Lane and Juanita Hemphill; her son, Thomas E. Yingst; and her brothers, Richard Lane and Mark Hemphill.
She is lovingly survived by her children, Kimberly G. Yingst of Colorado; Angela R. Seyler and her husband, Benjamin Seyler, of Wichita, Kansas; and James E. Yingst and his wife, Yvonne Yingst of Wichita. She is also survived by her brother, Jerry Lane of Lakewood, California. Joan also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Tony, Casey, Matthew, Sara, Nicole, and Amy, as well as 11 great-grandchildren, who will continue to honor her memory and the love she shared with them.
Joan was deeply loved and cherished by her family and friends. Her gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and loving presence will be greatly missed and forever remembered.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Lakeview Funeral Home in Wichita, Kansas. Burial will immediately follow at Lakeview Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association in Joan's memory, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284.
