Yarwood, Elaine Delores (Bender) 1938 - 2020

YARWOOD, BENDER, PETERSON, SNIDER, NEILL, BLEGEN, ASK, RONEY

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/19/2024 at 21:00:44

Elaine Delores (Bender) Yarwood, 81, a longtime member of the Columbia, Missouri community, passed away April 1, 2020 at The Gardens at Barry Road Assisted Living facility in Kansas City, MO, surrounded by her loving family.

Elaine was born June 27, 1938 in Decorah Iowa, the daughter of Virgil and Lucella (Peterson) Bender. She grew up on the family farm located in the Hesper Township where she attended the Canoe No. 6 School. She met Dean Yarwood, the love of her life, while attending Decorah High School. They were married September 2, 1956, starting a 63-year journey.

Elaine is most remembered for her smile, energy, optimism and dedication. Although initially a stay at home mother, she later went on to pursue a nursing degree. She graduated at the top of her class and worked many years at the Harry S Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital. During her career as a nurse she received the Department of Veterans Affairs award for Superior Performance. In addition to working, Elaine actively kept up with the scholastic and extra-curricular activities of five children, was active in St. Andrews Lutheran Church, and became a loving grandmother to grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In retirement Elaine enjoyed entertaining family and friends, dancing, learning, home decor volunteering and travel. Family and friends fondly remember wonderful meals she prepared, her laughter, and her willingness to share her talents in many projects.

Elaine is survived by husband: Dr. Dean Yarwood; children: Lucinda Snider (David); Kent Yarwood (Clara); Keith Yarwood (Debra); Douglas Yarwood (Dani); Dennis Yarwood (Elba); grandchildren: Rebecca Neill (Ryan); Paul Yarwood (Tara); Abigail Snider; Allan Yarwood; Carl Yarwood; great grandchildren: Olivia Neill; Jack Yarwood; sister: Carol Blegen (Donald); foster brother: Rodney Ask (Jan); brother-in-law: Curtis Yarwood (Phyllis), and a host of other relatives and friends including Clara’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren by previous marriage.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Virgil and Lucella Bender; several uncles and aunts; her father- and mother-in-law: Harold and Elsie (Roney) Yarwood; and several brothers- and sisters-in-law.

Memorials may be given to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1638 Big Canoe Road, Decorah, IA 52101, Dementia Society of America, P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901, or Hope Grows, 183 Shafer Road, Moon Township, PA 15108.

Source: Fjelstul Funeral Home database

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Jeff Getchell.
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