Irma Yager

Irma , Yager 10/17/1921 - 3/16/2022 Richland, Michigan Irma Yager, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. Born October 17, 1921, to loving parents, Dayton & Tillie Bunce of Edmore, Michigan, Irma was an identical twin and one of 16 siblings. On New Year's Eve 1946 she wed N. Gordon Yager and they were married nearly 67 years, until Gordon's death in 2013. Irma lived a purpose-driven life, dedicating over 50 years to Borgess Hospital as a Service League Volunteer. For many years she ran the hospital gift shop buying program and took great pride in decorating the windows for the holidays. She participated in all of the Borgess Follies including participating in many shows. She also received many awards for her outstanding service. In addition to her volunteer work, Irma enjoyed gardening, was active in her church, and an avid baker. It was typical for her to bake hundreds of cookies in a week for church gatherings, school functions, parties, bake sales, or to give to others. Everyone knew where the "cookie cupboard" was at her home. Irma loved to knit and honed her craft over many years; continuing through the entirety of her life. She began knitting in 1967 and kept a log of everything she made and for whom. Nearly everything she knitted was for others: birthdays, weddings, babies, charity, and even hats for newborns at the hospital. Irma and Gordon traveled extensively, visiting six of seven continents. But, Irma always enjoyed being close to home and surrounded by her beloved family. For that reason, her favorite trips included family: the Hawaiian Islands, skiing in Colorado, 50th anniversary in Mexico, and reunions at the Yager's cabin on the Pine River. Irma was a fierce competitor and loved a good game or puzzle- crosswords in particular. She had a wonderful sense of humor, loved a good (clean) joke, and had a smile that was indelible. Irma was gracious, loving, and gave freely of her affection to all those around. Irma is survived by her children Gary & Kim Yager of Galesburg, MI, and Trudy & Gerald Luedecking of Richland, MI; her grandchildren Bryan & Laurie Luedecking, Katie & Eric Lancaster, Jeff Coppersmith, Eric & Anna Luedecking, and Michelle Yager & Kurtis Marlowe; her great-grandchildren, Ellie Lancaster, Braydon Lancaster, Lena Lancaster and Emery Marlowe. Additionally, she is survived by her much loved sisters Lena Peterson and Loreen (Bob) Fields, and many nieces and nephews. Memorial Services will be held Friday, June 17th 2022, 11:00 am, at Fort Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Road, Augusta, MI 49012. A luncheon will follow the service at Gull Lake Country Club, 9725 West Gull Lake Drive, Richland, MI 49083. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memorial to the Beacon Pointe Richland - Activities Fund, 8774 N 32nd Street, Richland, MI 49083. Arrangements were made by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal Messages to the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.