Yaw, Claire Catherine 2003-2024

YAW, PACKEBUSH

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 5/18/2024 at 19:29:33

Claire Yaw, age 20, of Orange City, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at her home.

A visitation with the family present will be held on Sunday, May 19, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, with a scriptural prayer service beginning at 6pm, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton. There will be a funeral mass on Monday, May 20, at 10:30am, at the church with Fr. Zachary Jones, Fr. Daniel Greving, Fr. Kevin O’Dell, and Deacon Dan Goebel officiating. Interment will follow the service at the West Lawn Cemetery in Orange City. A luncheon will be held at the Spalding School in Alton following the burial. The Oolman Funeral Home in Orange City is in charge of arrangements.

Claire Catherine was born on September 25, 2003, in Spencer, to Christopher John and Donette Marie (Packebush) Yaw. She grew up in Orange City and was a student at the MOC-Floyd Valley Schools. Claire’s fiery competitive spirit allowed her to find joy in Dutch basketball, softball, track, and cross country. She also enjoyed being part of the band and choir. In June of 2021, she was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Despite her illness, Claire continued to love making others feel better with a positive attitude and a smile that would light up the room.

Claire’s faith was her foundation. She impacted others by sustaining a vibrant love for the Lord during a challenging cancer journey. She was confirmed as a member of the Catholic Church on November 16, 2019, and was a regular participant in church youth groups in Orange City. During the summer months, Claire’s love for kids came alive coaching for the Orange City Summer Recreation Program. Claire’s “sweet spot” was spending time laughing with and loving on friends and family, with a special adoration of her nephew and niece.

Her big heart and quick wit will be deeply missed by her parents, Chris and Donette Yaw, of Orange City; a sister, Rylee Payne, and her two children, Clay and Sloane, all of Orange City; a brother, Mitchell Yaw, of West Des Moines; and her maternal grandparents, Richard and Darolyn Packebush, of Lake Park; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and special friends.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Ray and Catherine Yaw.

Memorials will be given to Voices Against Cancer, an organization dedicated to fighting pediatric cancer.

Source: Oolman Funeral Home online obituary.