Grace M. Lyerla Yattoni's Obituary
Grace M. Lyerla Yattoni, 77, of Morrisonville, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2009 after battling cancer for several months.
Born November 9, 1931 in Morrisonville to Ross and Helen Green Lyerla, Gracie married Reno Yattoni June 20, 1949.
Gracie retired from the Palmer State Bank in 1994 after 44 years of service. She was a member of St. Maurice Catholic Church, National Catholic Society of Foresters, Altar & Rosary Society, Democrat Women’s Auxiliary, VFW Women’s Auxiliary, Morrisonville Historical Society, St. Vincent Women’s Auxiliary, holding in offices in many of these organizations and precinct committee women for Ricks 2 Township.
Gracie was a devoted, loving and caring wife, mother and friend always putting others first. She was a gifted poem writer, writing numerous poems over the years for family and friends special occasions. Her hobbies included sending all occasion cards, of which she sent thousands, visiting nursing homes and hospitals and writing pen pals that she had all over the country. She was a die hard Chicago Cubs fan and never hesitated to tell you. She spent the past 45 summers camping at Lake Taylorville where she enjoyed playing bocce ball, feeding the ducks, and entertaining family and friends.
Her sense of humor, kindness, warmth, compassion for mankind and selfless lifestyle is what she will be remembered and missed for.
She is survived by her husband, Reno and their five children: Mark Barb Yattoni, R.G. Debra Yattoni of Morrisonville, IL, Kristina Phil DeRochi, Marcia Doug McKinnie of Taylorville, IL and Sam Yattoni of Glenarm, IL. Grandchildren, Will Laura Goebel, Jereme Goebel, Justin Cara McKinnie, Jordan and Mallory McKinnie, Matt, Andrea, Anthony and Hannah Yattoni. Step-grandchildren: Rochelle DeRochi, Elisha Brandon Schienders and Rachel Knoles; great-grandchild, Giuseppe Goebel; brothers: Edward Lyerla of Texas and Phillip Bonnie Lyerla of Taylorville; step brother, Steven Barb Smith of Morrisonville; step sister, Barbara Jacobs of Lincolnwood. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many-many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; step-father, Rollie Smith; grandchildren, Natalie Goebel and Jacqueline and Jeffrey Yattoni.
The family will receive friends Monday, March 16, 2009 from 4 to 8 pm at St. Maurice Catholic Church, Morrisonville where a vigil prayer service will be held at 3:30 pm. Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Gracie’s life will be 11 am, Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at St. Maurice Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. Maurice Cemetery. Memorials may be made to: St. Maurice Catholic Church, Morrisonville American Legion Post #721 Memorial or Christian County Animal Shelter.
The family of Grace M. Yattoni is being served by the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home, 2801 N. Monroe St, Decatur, IL, 62526.
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