Grace Yokley

On November 25, 2022, Grace Anna Yokley passed away peacefully at her Beaumont, California home. She was born on December 4, 1925, to Alvin and Pauline Thompson of Eudora, Missouri. She was the second of five children: her brothers Allen Leon (Buck) and Ray Dean (Pete) Thompson are deceased, her sisters Linnie Lou McGowan and Hannah Mae Vest still reside in Walnut Grove, Missouri. She lived life to its fullest; she was 96 years and eleven months young. Grace Yokley lived a remarkable life. Faith, family, friends, and a lifetime of service epitomize her best. She led by example and never waivered. Her strong moral compass, unwavering faith in God, and steadfast devotion to her family and friends were her hallmarks. She also enjoyed public community service. She spent countless hours as a volunteer in many capacities to the Mountain View 4-H Club, Mountain View Women’s Club, and various church committees throughout her lifetime. Her work ethic and public service in education would be her noteworthy legacy. In 1943 Grace Anna Thompson graduated from Marion C. Early High School in Morrisville, Missouri. Shortly thereafter, she married high school sweetheart, Lloyd Lee Yokley on May 30, 1943. World War II was in full throttle. Lloyd, four years her senior, enlisted in the US Coast Guard, and later volunteered in the US Navy. As a newly married wife, Grace followed her heart and husband who was stationed on the west coast. She lived and worked in San Francisco as a waitress while her husband was deployed at sea. For a young midwest country girl, Grace displayed courage and determination: creating a new life in an unknown part of the country at times of such grave uncertainty. Upon Lloyd’s discharge from the Navy in 1946, the couple remained living in California, and resided in Ontario. Son, Ronald Lee Yokley, was born on October 15, 1947. Followed by the birth of their daughter, Dianna Lee Yokley, born on March 16, 1952. Her career as the district secretary to the superintendent/principal of Mountain View School District spanned over 34 years. Retiring in 1985, Mrs. Yokley continued on as an elected official serving as a member of the board of trustees and retiring in December, 1993. Initially Mountain View was a one-school school district located in south Ontario nestled in an agricultural community. However, the district began to feel the impact of urbanization, and housing developments soon took the place of farming land. With this growth came a necessity of adding the second school to the district. A middle school. When it was time to name the school, the board of trustees unanimously named the new school, Grace Yokley School, and dedicated the school on Sept. 11, 1982. This honor is often bestowed upon an individual posthumously. But this was her crowning achievement for years of unselfish dedication. Mrs. Yokley was somewhat a local celebrity and would enjoy being recognized and notiriety for years to come. In 1984, the year of the Los Angeles Olympics, the torch carrier that ran through Ontario, was honored at a reception held at Grace Yokley School. In addition to her remarkable career in education, Grace Yokley and her husband moved to the Hofer Ranch in 1971 where she enjoyed a very special relationship with the entire Hofer family. Grace was a companion for Mrs. Frances Hofer, matriarch of the Hofer family, until her death. She remained living at the ranch after her husband passed away in 1983. She assisted the family part time as their “Girl Friday” until 2017. The Hofer family meant the world to her - another example of her love for the people she served. With all of life’s accomplishments, her greatest remains her family and friends - she considered those the ultimate treasures in life. She enjoyed every significant event in her grandchildren and great grandchildren’s active lives. There wasn’t an event she missed if at all possible. Mrs. Grace Yokley is preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, and brothers. She is survived by her daughter, Dianna (Ken) Godfrey, daughter-in-law, Loida Yokley, grandchildren; Andrew (Sasha Guiab) Godfrey, Robert Yokley, Karen(Jeff) Downs, Andrea (Alan) Jessup, Katie (Jacco) Bot, and Susan Godfrey. Her great grandchildren; Jared (Alexis) Rodgers, Stephen (Sarah) Downs, James Downs, Nora, Downs, Lucas Bot, Julia Bot, Adam Jessup, Aidan Yokley, her sisters, Linnie and Hannah, and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on December 16th, with a lunch reception to follow at Fellowship Church, in Beaumont. Immediately followed by internment for family and those who would like to attend at 2:30 p.m. at Bellevue Memorial Park in Ontario. . In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mrs. Grace Yokley’s honor to: Grace Yokley School Music Program c/o Ronda Paterson ASB Bookkeeper 2947 S Turner Avenue Ontario, CA 91761 or Legacy of Faith Fellowship Church 650 Oak Valley Parkway Beaumont, CA 92223

Grace Yokley

December 4, 1925 - November 25, 2022