Joan "Yvonne" Stevens - Sands

     Joan Yvonne Stevens Sands passed away peacefully Sunday, March 31st, 2024 surrounded by family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Yvonne was born in Hartley, IA to Lester and Hellen Johnson on March 28th, 1951 as the youngest addition to their family of three boys. 

     Yvonne’s favorite pastimes as a child were playing on the farm with her family, fishing for bullheads, attending church services, enjoying the Clay County Fair, baking with her mother, and canning with her nieces. One of her most cherished memories was when her nieces would join her to make delicious apple pies at their grandmother’s home. Yvonne was also quite the competitive card player at family holidays, with Pitt being her favorite game. As Yvonne built her life through adulthood, she enjoyed camping with her sons, collecting recipes, must-have finds from Home Shopping Network or QVC, spending time with her husband Harry, and continued her passion for attending the Clay County Fair. 

     Yvonne’s life was also one of service to others. She was dedicated to caring for her family and sharing her love of children while she worked at Head Start in Storm Lake, IA as head cook for nearly 10 years. She met her husband, Harry, in 1986 and soon after married on March 27, 1987. Harry was smitten with Yvonne and was a wonderful role model for their children and grandchildren. She often enjoyed thoughtful cards from Harry.  She treasured his endearing notes of appreciation he so carefully picked out for her after a long day of work. They spent 25 years happily married before Harry preceded her in death on August 15th, 2012.

     Most importantly, Yvonne was known for her steadfast faith in Jesus Christ. Her favorite ministers were David Jeremiah and Adrian Rogers. She used her love of the gospel message every day while she cared her husband, children and grandchildren.  Yvonne was especially proud of the years spent nurturing her grandchildren Hailey, Rickii and Ethan—they were the lights of her latter years on earth. 

     Yvonne was preceded in death by her parents, older brothers Perry, Donavan, Wayne, spouse Harry Sands, and youngest son Ricky. She is survived by her sons Wayne, Terry, Michael, step-daughters Lisa and Jenny, daughters-in-law Kim, Erin and Kelly, son-in-law BJ, twelve grandchildren, two great grandchildren and many other dear family and friends. A meal will be provided for family and friends at First Baptist following the committal service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Warner Funeral Home of Spencer, IA.