Yvonne Amershek

As her family and friends can surely attest, Yvonne Amershek truly understood the secret to a life well lived. She was a constant source of strength and encouragement for others, and she was always supportive of her loved ones in whatever they were doing. Yvonne was never afraid to stand up for what she believed in. As a serving member of her community, she was always willing to go above and beyond to serve those around her. Forever loved, Yvonne will be dearly missed by those who knew her best.

The 1930s were some of the most trying days we have faced as a nation as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. Jobs were scarce, the unemployment rate soared, and things only became more dire when a drought crippled our heartland for nearly two years during this time. Despite the trials around them, Cashmere and Ellen Overton were able to shift their focus to an exciting time in their lives as they announced the birth of the baby girl they named Yvonne on June 3, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan.

Growing up, Yvonne was a typical young girl of her generation in many ways. She was raised in the family home alongside her older sister, Joanna. She loved being outdoors and playing with friends. Yvonne was very proud of her father’s flowers in the yard, and she enjoyed taking care of dogs and sharing her love for them. Just watching a dog walk down the street would bring a smile to her face.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Yvonne as she met the man who would quickly become the love of her life. His name was James Amershek, and the two first met at a restaurant while both were out with friends. Yvonne and her girlfriend parked next to Jim and his buddy, and when the four ended up walking into the restaurant as a group they decided to eat together. This was only the beginning of Yvonne’s exciting future with Jim. Over time, their relationship blossomed into something truly wonderful. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Yvonne and Jim were married in the presence of family and friends, marking a new chapter in a love story that would span numerous years.

All who knew Yvonne can surely agree that, of all the things she loved in life, she treasured her loved ones above all else. She and Jim were overjoyed to welcome their three beloved daughters, Deborah, Rhonda, and Sandra, into their hearts and home. Yvonne truly thrived in her role as a mother and devoted herself to raising her children. She enjoyed watching her daughters grow into kind and hardworking individuals. Yvonne became an aunt seven times, which was something that also brought her great joy. Later in life, she was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother. Yvonne adored her grandchildren and looked forward to their visits, doting on them whenever she could. She considered it such a privilege to have four generations of her family under the same roof. Yvonne always considered herself blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones.

Yvonne was never afraid to work hard in order to support herself and those who depended on her. She spent several years working as a check processor at Michigan National Bank, where she learned how to run a symptomatic machine. Yvonne also worked at Clyde Smith and Sons. She loved interacting with people through her work, and she also liked to bring some of the beautiful decorations home.

Yvonne was known to be a social butterfly who loved spending time with friends and family. Each Friday, she would play cards or board games with a group of friends. Yvonne and her husband were very blessed to find such great friends in Barry, Dee, Ray, and Ruth. She and Jim would also play Triple Yahtzee at the kitchen table many nights. Yvonne was involved in many different clubs through the community’s recreation center, the Summit on the Park. She was a part of the Pioneers and of the Red Hat Club. Yvonne attended the summit to participate in the many group activities and to spend time with her friends.

Yvonne pursued several hobbies to stay busy in her free time. She and Jim liked to travel, both with their daughters and without them. Cedar Point was a favorite destination for years. Yvonne loved to host the annual Christmas Eve party, and she took the decorating very seriously. She enjoyed working in the yard and prided herself on having the best yard on the street. Though Yvonne liked to be out and about, she was also comfortable staying at home and playing Bookworm on her computer. During the cold winter months, she would live under her heated throw blanket, watching television without the sound and doing word search puzzles. Yvonne especially enjoyed watching the Hallmark Channel. She liked Charles Bronson movies, and the game show “What America Says” as well. Yvonne’s favorite color was blue, and she liked having food from Taco Bell for lunch.

When reflecting on the life of Yvonne Amershek, it is easy to see both her unwavering strength and her unconditional love for her family. She always had a positive attitude, and she never turned down an opportunity to care for others. Nothing brought Yvonne greater joy than spending time with her friends and family. She was well known for her determination and her spirit of thankfulness. Though she will be deeply missed, Yvonne leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Yvonne Amershek of Canton passed away September 11, 2022, at the age of 83. Beloved wife of the late James. Loving mother of Deborah (Michael) Wade, Rhonda Simko, and Sandra (Kenneth) Jahn. Cherished grandmother of eight and great-grandmother of ten. She was predeceased by her parents and her sister Joanna Overton. A memorial visitation will take place Saturday, October 22, 2022 from 1 pm until the time of memorial service at 4 pm at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home, 45100 Warren Rd., Canton, Michigan 48187. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society.