Elma Jean Yost

Elma Jean (Schmidt) Yost was born at Halstead, KS on November 30, 1922 to Jacob A.R. and Susie (Eck) Schmidt. She peacefully passed away at the Carriage House in Greensburg, KS on December 30, 2014, reaching the age of 92 years. Mother grew up on a dairy farm at Halstead, KS, being one of the youngest in a large family. At the age of 16 she lost her parents in a tragic car accident and was taken into Uncle Jake Johnson’s family where she had fond memories of her time there. She gave her heart to the Lord and was baptized by Minister Carl Dirks on December 10, 1939. Jean was married to Harlin Yost on November 22, 1942 and they moved to a farm near Wilmore, KS where they raised their four children and made their living. She worked together with Dad helping with the farm chores when he was in the field. We, as children, learned many valuable lessons from our upbringing. Mother shared many memories with us about her growing up years and her “mama ” and “papa”. She longed to see them again and their faith was real to her also. Mother was a friendly, outgoing person with a smile for all. She experienced both joys and sorrows in her life, but was always courageous and encouraging. The Greensburg Tornado of 2007 and losing her home were one of those times. After her family was grown, she enjoyed thirteen years of nursing at the local hospital. Our parents also enjoyed traveling and camping. Their trips to Michigan were a highlight; we loved having them and many special memories of those times remain. Mother enjoyed her big garden and flowers. She especially enjoyed cooking and being hospitable to others. Her holiday dinners were a real joy to all of us. In the last ten years, we noticed life and its realities slipping away; yet she always seemed to remember the children and grandchildren and remained cheerful. After mother’s stroke in Aug. 2012 she was moved to the Carriage House, a few blocks from her home in Greensburg. She was lovingly cared for by the Nursing Staff and we as a family are very grateful for this. Dad joined her there in December 2013 to be near her in her last days. Jean is survived by her husband, two sons Joe Yost (Karen), Greensburg, Clark Yost (Betty), Wilmore, two daughters Karla Boehs (Regal), Middleton, Michigan, Angela Gearig (Ervin), Ithaca, Michigan, eleven Grandchildren, twenty-three Great-grandchildren, one sister Osie Koehn, Moundridge, Kansas, three brothers-in-law and six sisters-in-law. She was preceded in death by her parents, eight brothers, eight sisters and a great-granddaughter.