Yvonne Lynn Stanke, 68, was born September 30 ^th , 1952 and passed away peacefully Monday, April 12 ^th , 2021.

During her life-long career as a CRNA (certified nurse anesthetist), she spread joy and shared her knowledge both here and abroad. She was born and raised near Pleasant Hope, Missouri and graduated from the local high school in 1970. She graduated from St. John's Hospital School of Nursing in 1974 with her RN diploma. Yvonne began working professionally at St. John's Hospital in the Surgical ICU upon completion of her RN. She continued with her education spending time in Connecticut and Springfield, MO before receiving her CRNA in 1977, as well as completing her BS degree in biology from Missouri State University in 1978. She served as a Staff Anesthetist at several hospitals in Springfield, Joplin, and Monett as well as some helpful weekends at other southwest Missouri hospitals. She achieved her MS degree in education from Drury University in 1986 whilst working and continued to learn and share her experiences until her final day.

In her leisure time she enjoyed books, gardening, and rescuing any creature that crossed her path. She always had a plethora of pets at her disposal as she had so much love to share. Over the years, she travelled overseas many times from New Zealand to Peru. When travelling, she could often be found picking up shells on the beach and playing in the surf. Yvonne was an active member of Christ Episcopal Church for the past 25 years, attending services when her work schedule allowed.

If one were to ask Yvonne about her attitude towards life she would have said, "They told me I couldn't so that's why I did."

She was preceded in death by her parents, Franklin and Iris McMillian, and her husband, Dr. David Fred Stanke.

She is survived by her daughter, Breea (husband Victor) and son, Barrett both of Springfield, MO; her sisters Deborah Phillips of Plano, TX and Nancy Lee of Broken Arrow, OK.

She was so kindhearted to all her family and friends. She will be dearly missed and remembered fondly in the hearts of those who loved her.

Yvonne, soar through the heavens as you did here on Earth.

Funeral services will be Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 3:00 pm at Gorman Scharpf Funeral Home with burial to follow in Union Grove Cemetery, Fair Grove, Missouri.  Visitation will be Saturday from 5:00-7:00 pm in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Humane Society of Southwest Missouri, 3161 W. Norton Road, Springfield, Missouri 65803 or C.A.R.E. Animal Rescue, P. O. Box 215, Aurora, Missouri 65605.