Barbara Yokem

Barbara Jane Yokem was born into eternal life on Wednesday, February 28, 2024. She was born July 26, 1936 to Geneva Scott Melton and James Melton in Quincy, Illinois. Barbara attended school in Pittsfield, Illinois where she met the love of her life, Marion D. Yokem. Barbara and Marion were married on August 10, 1953 and from this union they were blessed with three children, ten grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren left to cherish her memory; Gregory Yokem (Elaine) of Mansfield, Ohio, children Jordan Brooks (Johnny), Jennifer Eddleblute (Ryan), and Joel Yokem; Tracey Yokem Cox (David) of Wellington, Colorado, children Sonya Mendoza (Anthony) and Brock Comegys; and Timothy Yokem (Sarah) of Wellington, Colorado, children Keith Yokem, Trent Yokem, Mitchel Yokem, Owen Yokem and Olivia Yokem. Also left behind are her Sister Carol Melton Laingor (Richard), many nieces and nephews and a special friend, Patrysha Switzer. Great-grandchildren who will miss her are; Brayden and Reagan Mendoza, Kailey, Breah and Garret Comegys, Kaylen and Houston Brooks, Bexley Brandt, Phoebe Eddleblute and Kody Yokem.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Marion, her parents, a brother James, sister Linda Sue and a brother, Thomas Melton.

Barbara followed Marion in his pastoral calling to St. Louis, Missouri, Kansas City, Missouri, Mansfield, Ohio and Fort Collins, Colorado where they finally settled in their dream home with acreage for their horses. Barbara and Marion showed Arabian horses and earned several championship ribbons. In 1967 Barbara began a new career by enrolling in Nursing School at Mansfield General Hospital School of Nursing. She graduated with honors and began a long and fulfilling career as a Registered Nurse. Over the years she worked at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado, McKee Medical Center in Loveland Colorado and several nursing homes in Fort Collins.

While in school Barbara loved anything to do with horses and making friends. Barbara was a strong and fearless woman with a giant, golden heart who loved her family and her friendships. She lived her life with dignity and always with time for a laugh, oftentimes at her own expense. Her laughter was often contagious, and joy filled. After Marion passed, Barbara carried on, caring for her family and providing a family home where all were welcome. After a fall at home, Barbara spent several days at Poudre Valley Hospital and then her final days at Pathways Hospice, where she was always surrounded by her loving family until her work on earth was finally done and she walked with Jesus into heaven, where she was reunited with Marion, her parents and family and friends who were waiting for her. From her new view, Barbara will supervise the sunshine and the rain for her beloved flowers that she always cared for while here on earth.

A reception will be held in Pittsfield, Illinois on Saturday, June 1st at 11:00 at the Pike County Senior Citizens Center, 220 W Adams Street, Pittsfield, Illinois, where guests will be welcome to share fellowship and memories of Barb. A private interment will be at Pittsfield West Cemetery at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Pathways Hospice Inpatient Care Center, 317 Carpenter Road, Fort Collins, CO 80525.