Joan Yost

Joan Elaine Yost, age 79, of Kalamazoo went to be with her Savior, Sunday morning January 7, 2018. Joan was born December 8, 1938 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of the late Albert and Marian (Williams) Todd and had been a lifelong resident in the Kalamazoo area. She was preceded in death by her husband Bernard Yost. Joan grew up in the Gobles area, graduating from Gobles High School. She would often share memories of her life growing up on the mint farm in Mentha and her fondest memories were the times spent with her large extended family. Joan moved to Kalamazoo and worked a variety of clerical jobs through the years. She was always modeling the importance of giving. Joan was the one that would go out of her way to help family and friends, bringing a meal or picking someone up to help run an errand. She was always busy and on the go doing for others. Always ready to head out just to have a good time and share some laughs. Her pride was her family. She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, and "Mimi". Joan was always there to provide support and unconditional love. You could just expect a call from her to hear "How can I pray for you?", or "What can I do for you?" Her grandchildren were the sparkle in her eye. To them, "Mimi" was their greatest fan. It didn't matter when or where the event, she was always there. Joan's greatest joy though, was serving her Savior. Her love of music could be seen just singing hymns around the house, playing the piano, attending concerts, or singing in the choir at church. She always had a smile in her heart, no matter her circumstances. She endured many trials in her life right up to her homecoming in Heaven, living by the motto "God's got this". Sharing that joy with others was as natural and normal as getting up each day. She influenced everyone with her positive outlook and faith in God. That never changed, even in her last days. Joan will be dearly missed by so many. She had a wide circle of friends. From her younger days in the youth group at Covey Hill Baptist Church to her church family, neighbors and new friends that she shared her last few months with; all who were close to her heart. She will be missed most by her family. Joan is survived by her daughters, Pamela (David) Richardson, Sheryl (Tim) Tufts; 5 grandchildren Justin (Corey) Richardson, Kamrin (Bethany) Richardson, Tristan Richardson, Tyler Tufts, Haylie Tufts; a great-grandson Cooper Richardson; a brother, Bill Todd; and several nieces and nephews. A service to celebrate Joan's life will be held at 11:00 am Friday, January 12 at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street with Pastor Tom Tufts officiating. Friends may meet the family from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm Thursday, January 11 at the Westside Chapel. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery after a time of fellowship in the Langeland Family Centre. Memorials may be directed to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.