Deniece Yendes

(From Klingner-Cope Funeral Home)

Deniece Myers Yendes, of Republic, MO, passed away peacefully at home on May 1, 2024, at the age of 62. She was born in Springfield, MO, on June 9, 1961, to John and Lucille Myers. Deniece was one of two children.

Deniece graduated high school from Webb City in 1979 and went on to earn her Bachelor's of Education in English of Secondary Education from Missouri Southern State University. 

After graduating, Deniece married her husband and from this union, Deniece was blessed with her two sons, Matthew and Zachary. After separating from her husband, Deniece returned to Missouri and pursued her passion for teaching. She began teaching High School English in Fair Play and eventually finished her teaching career in the Republic School District after 25 total years of teaching. 

The impact and influence she had on her students and fellow teachers will undoubtedly make a profound impact on the world. While being a full-time teacher, Deniece was raising her two boys, to whom she was highly devoted and loved deeply. She also completed her Master's degree in education Curriculum & Instruction from William Woods University. Deniece belonged to several groups of friends, study groups, reading groups and her "never- study" group. 

She was known for her insatiable craving for a good book. Her circles of friends intertwined and weaved together in a way only a dedicated friend could accomplish. She was a caring friend, a devoted professional, a loving sister, daughter, mother and Yaya. 

Deniece enjoyed worshipping Jesus, listening to and watching Elvis, and traveling. She was the person that was everyone's best friend, and she never missed an opportunity to make a new friend. Deniece had a fierce personality, she was unapologetically humorous, and tremendously encouraging. 

Deniece spent the last part of her life loving her grandchildren as an affectionate Yaya and being a caretaker to her mother. Being a Yaya brought Deniece immense joy and she will be incredibly missed by all of her grandchildren. Deniece was a selfless person and gave all she had to her loved ones.

Far from the defining moment of her life, Deniece passed from a nearly nine-year long battle with ovarian cancer. She set the example of suffering in grace and loving Jesus through her troubles. Her faith never wavered, and she anxiously awaited coming home to her Heavenly Father. Deniece will be greatly missed by all whose lives have been touched by her.

Deniece is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her children, Matthew (Katie) and Zachary, grandchildren Luke, Parker, Nora, and Max Yendes, her brother Doug (Carole), and her dog Mojo, as well as several members of her extended family, friends, and students.

A celebration of life is scheduled for Friday, May 10, 2024, with a visitation from 10-12 and service to immediately follow at the Klingner-Cope Funeral Home at Rivermonte in Springfield. Deniece will be laid to rest at the same location with a private family service following her celebration of life.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made in her honor to the GYN Cancer Alliance (gynca.org).
A special thank you to her many friends who showed up and spent time with Deniece in the days leading up to her passing. As well as the nurses and employees of Phoenix Hospice. Your presence was not unnoticed and undoubtedly eased her transition into death.
"I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view, until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." -Atticus Finch, To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee.