Yvonne Jeanette Sample, age 71, passed away peacefully in her home on January 7, 2026. She was surrounded by the comfort of the lakeside home she shared with her husband of 52 years, Robert (Bob) Sample—a place where they raised their family, watched their children and grandchildren grow, and created a lifetime of cherished memories. It was a home built of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Yvonne was born on April 24, 1954, in Lansing, Michigan, to Lynford and Elizabeth (Barrows) Richardson, and was raised in Brooklyn, which became her lifelong home. It was there that she met her husband, built their family, and created a lasting legacy. When not at home, Yvonne could often be found near the water in the summers or up north snowmobiling as part of a local club in the winters. In later years, she traded northern winters for southern sunshine, spending her retirement winters in Florida with Bob and visiting friends and family along the way. Throughout her life, Yvonne was dedicated and hardworking. She was employed at Tecumseh Products before later working in the kitchen at Columbia Elementary School, where she lovingly served students and staff for 29 years before retiring. Yvonne’s greatest joy was found in being surrounded by the people she loved. Whether spending long summer days at the sandbar on the lake with family or simply enjoying conversation and laughter on her porch, she treasured time together and made everyone feel welcome. Her home was a gathering place filled with warmth and kindness. Anyone who knew Yvonne knew she was a natural caregiver. She was always the first to step forward to help, offering support, encouragement, and forgiveness with an open heart. A true cheerleader to all, she carried an unwavering optimism that lifted those around her. Even during her courageous battle with cancer, Yvonne met each challenge with remarkable grace and positivity, choosing gratitude and perspective over fear. When asked how she was doing, her answer reflected the way she lived her life—honest, hopeful, and resilient. Yvonne’s legacy is one of love freely given, quiet strength, and a belief that even in the hardest moments, kindness and joy still matter. She will be remembered for the comfort she provided, the laughter she shared, and the example she set, teaching those who loved her to embrace life fully, care deeply for one another, and always find light, even in the most difficult days. She is survived by her loving husband, Bob Sample; her daughters, Jamie Castle (Andrew Castle) and Kristi Sample; and her beloved grandchildren, Christian Sample (Katie Kamp), Michael Castle, Devin Morin (Lindsay Beger), Gabriell Morin, and Kain Snyder. She was also the proud grandmother of two cherished great-grandchildren who preceded her in death, Noah Robert Sample and Levi Noah Sample, whom she now holds in heaven. Yvonne is further survived by her siblings, Carol Harvey, Kenneth Richardson, and Denise (Mark) Oscar. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lynford and Elizabeth Richardson, and her brother, Gerald Richardson. In honoring Yvonne’s wishes, a celebration of life will be held on April 18 from 2–5 p.m. at the American Legion Wilber-Bartlett Post 315 in Brooklyn, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages honoring Yvonne’s memory by investing time, love, and care into the people who matter most—gathering with those you love and creating moments of connection and joy, just as Yvonne always did. Arrangements with PurseFuneralHome in Adrian, MI. www.PurseFuneralHome.com
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