Yolanda Vandecnocke, 84, of Fayette, passed away at University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia on June 28, 2024.

Yolanda Dora Maria Vandecnocke was born June 3, 1940 in Gheel, Belgium, a Province of Antwerp.  She was a daughter to the late Maurice and Maria (S’Jegers) Vandecnocke.  Yolanda attended one year of school in Belgium before her family moved to Canada.  It was in Canada where she completed 1st grade and learned English.  Due to the cold winters in Canada, the family moved to the United States, where Yolanda completed Jr. High and eventually graduated from Fayette High School with the class of 1958.  She was the recipient of the Regents Scholarship.  She then went on to attend and graduate from Kirksville State Teachers College (KSTC).  While at KSTC, Yolanda became a United States citizen and learned a great deal more about America.  Yolanda always had a passion for learning and education. Yolanda volunteered for two years in the Peace Corp. in Africa.  She then briefly taught in the St. Louis public school system.  Upon her return to Fayette, she became a wonderful caretaker for her mother.  When she was able, she was very devoted to St. Jospeh Catholic Church in Fayette and in her younger years truly enjoyed taking her nephews fishing.

Survivors include five nephews, Dale (Betty) Ridgwell of Fayette, Dennis (Margaret) Ridgwell of New Franklin, Darrell (Karen) Ridgwell of Fayette, Marvin (Cindy) Ridgwell of New Franklin, and Eric Vandecnocke of Cape Girardeau, MO; niece, Heike (Louis) Sehrt of Washington, MO; and a sister-in-law, Anne Vandecnocke of Washington, MO.  She is also survived by numerous great-nieces and nephews.  In addition to her parents, Yolanda was preceded in death by three siblings, Gus Vandecnocke, Robert Vandecnocke and Simonne Ridgwell.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10 AM, Friday, July 5, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fayette, with Fr. Joshua Duncan officiating.  Interment will follow at Fayette City Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church c/o Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service, 174 Hwy. 5 & 240 N., Fayette, MO 65248.