HOISINGTON — Esther Maureen Yeakley, 78, went to be with her Lord on Dec. 9, 2016, at Almost Home, Inc. in Great Bend. Born Feb. 13, 1938, at Penokee, she was the daughter of John David and Ruth Emily (Rice) McRae. In 1955, she graduated from Hill City High School and then attended Kansas State University. On June 2, 1958, she was united in marriage to Gary G. Yeakley at Manhattan. She ran farm equipment on the family farm, took care of her three children, and cooked for family and helpers on the farm. She also worked for Farm Bureau in Great Bend, and owned and operated the Bernina store in Great Bend for many years, doing seamstress work and also taught sewing. She ran an Amway business and babysat grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a great cook, seamstress, and listener.
Mrs. Yeakley served two terms on the Hoisington School Board, serving as Board President for part of that time. She also served on several 4-H Boards.
Survivors include her husband, Gary G. Yeakley of Hoisington; two sons, Steve Yeakley and wife, Tammie, of Hoisington, and Scott Yeakley and wife, Priscilla, of Bel Aire; one daughter, Cheryl Brand and husband, Jim, of Colwich; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two brothers, John David McRae and wife, Marge, of Bayfield, Colo. and Dr. Paul McRae DVM of Hays; one sister, Shirley Radcliff and husband Wes, of Hoisington; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A Graveside Memorial Service to celebrate Maureen’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday at Great Bend City Cemetery. Friends and family will be gathering at Charter Funerals in Great Bend at 12:30 p.m. on Friday to process to the cemetery. According to Maureen’s wishes, cremation has been chosen. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Almost Home, Inc. in Great Bend. Online condolences may be left for the family and a complete obituary may be viewed at http://www.charterfunerals.com/locations/great-bend.php.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Charter Funerals*
2115 Washington St.
Great Bend, KS. 67530
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 13, 2016