Betty Yakshaw

Longtime Independence resident, Betty Jo Yakshaw, 84, was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Saturday, March 12, 2022.

Betty was born on October 27, 1937, in St. Joe Ost, Kansas, to John and Leona (Roths) Hilger. In May of 1955, Betty graduated from Andale High School. After high school, Betty enrolled at St. Francis School of nursing in Wichita, graduating after 3 years. She then entered the United States Airforce, proudly served her country from 1959 to 1961. On August 4, 1962, she married her high school sweetheart, Rod Yakshaw in St. Joe Ost, Kansas. The two newly weds moved to Mount Hope, Kansas and lived for 9 years. On December 24th, 1971, the two made their permanent home in Independence. Betty worked as a surgical nurse at Mercy Hospital for 30 years before retiring. Betty was a member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church since 1971, volunteering to help with the Altar Society, Steven Ministries and was St. Andrew’s school librarian for many years. Betty loved the time she got to spend volunteering at the church and helping others. During her free time, Betty loved to quilt, bake, write letters, and spend time with her family. The family always looked forward to receiving their handwritten letters and cards every birthday and Christmas.

She is preceded in death by her son, Lance Yakshaw, daughter Rachael Yakshaw, and her parents.

Betty’s memory will be cherished by her husband, Rod Yakshaw, son, Brian and wife Stacey Yakshaw, daughters, Molly and husband Tim Messina, Rane’ and husband Ryan Mix, 8 grandchildren, brothers, John Jr., Paul, David, Steve, Ted, and Leo Hilger, sisters, Mary Rose Kennedy, Loretta Kruse, Virginia Meyer, and Joan Stoltz, and numerous nieces, and nephews. Rosary will take place at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Independence on Thursday, March 17th at 6:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 18th at 10:00 am. at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church. Memorial contributions can be made in Betty’s name to Wounded Warriors, Tunnels to Towers Foundation, or the Alzheimer’s Association.

The family would like to send a special thank you to Parsons VA Clinic, VFW in Independence, Morningstar Care Homes in Neodesha and all the friends and family that have loved and supported Betty throughout the years.