B. Yvonne Morton, 91

Loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, Yvonne Calhoun Morton, 91, passed away in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on Monday, May 2, 2016, at Hospice House. Yvonne was born May 28, 1924.

She grew up in a suburb of Akron, Ohio. She was a champion table tennis player and marble and baseball enthusiast. She played cornet as the No. 1 chair in her high school band. She worked for Goodyear before joining the Navy as a Wave even though she hated water. During World War II, Yvonne was stationed in Jacksonville, Fla., where she met her husband, Bill, who was a naval officer. They traveled the world (including giving birth to her first born in China).

Bill and Yvonne left the Navy after 13 years of service for Bill to pursue his passion for veterinary medicine. After graduating from Washington State University, they landed in Sandpoint, Idaho, where they lived for 15 years. Yvonne and Bill retired to Redmond, Wash. Bill passed away in 1991, and Yvonne finally agreed to move back to North Idaho to be closer to family. She lived in Leisure Park loving and caring for her four-legged companion, Baxter. Often, she was also in charge of pampering and spoiling Baxter’s furry relatives, Riley and Morton.

Yvonne enjoyed golfing, opera, fitness classes followed by coffee hours with girlfriends, attending the annual Starbucks shareholder meetings, and Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre, but the single and most important event for her was spending time with her family, particularly her grandchildren.

Yvonne was recently introduced as the quintessential mother and grandmother. Her love for her family was unconditional. She never judged. She comforted, supported and gave her love freely. Her children’s spouses all called her the best mother-in-law ever. Yvonne is survived by her children: Bill (Shelly) Morton of Kalispell, Mont.; Dee (Mike) Boeck of Sandpoint, Idaho; Jim (Karen) Morton of Boise, Idaho; and Maggie (Marc) Lyons of Hayden Lake, Idaho. While she loved her children, she really loved her nine grandchildren, Alyssa, Justin, Brett, Derin, Nick, Max, Sam, Alex and Megan; and her four great-grandchildren, Sydney, Henry, Isabel and Avery. They were her purpose for living.

Yvonne had the uncanny ability to make friends under any circumstances. She always wore a smile on her face and carried a joke on the tip of her tongue. Everyone who met Yvonne fell in love with her smile and fun-loving sense of humor. She is best known for being everyone’s favorite person.

Even in failing health, Yvonne brought joy and love to those around her. She lived her last two years of life at The Lodge and then at Renaissance in Coeur d’Alene. Yvonne’s family sends their heartfelt gratitude to the professionals at Crest Home Health and Hospice, The Lodge Assisted Living, Renaissance Assisted Living, and Hospice of North Idaho Hospice House for their expertise and loving care. Her life was made better because of you.

Yvonne always said you could never have too many kisses…she is still sending us kisses from above.

At her request, there will be no formal service, but a celebration of her life will be held this summer when the flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, cosmos are flowing and stars are shining bright. In her honor, donations can be made to Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre which she loved so dearly. (P.O. Box 1119, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83816).

Yates Funeral Home, Hayden Chapel, has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Yvonne’s online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.