Yvonne Stirland, age 90, passed away on December 25, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family in her cherished family home in Kanab. Yvonne’s warmth, grace, and joyful spirit touched countless lives, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Born on October 28, 1935, in Kanab, Utah, to Francis Melvin Rider and Vola Brown, Yvonne grew up enjoying the famous landscapes of southern Utah. From childhood, she loved horseback riding, dancing, singing, and spending time with her cousins. At Kanab High School, she was an active member of the K-dett Pep Club, the KHS Choir, and the Drama Club.

She fell in love, in her words, “with the best-looking guy at school,” Richard “Dick” Chatterley. They married on June 18, 1952, in the St. George LDS Temple and together raised two daughters, Tanya and Cindy. Yvonne began her long career in food service as a waitress at the iconic Parry Lodge, where she practiced her skills in fine dining under the strict standards of owner Whit Parry—a perfectionist whose influence would shape her life for decades.

Known for her selfless nature, Yvonne always placed others’ needs before her own. She was the “fun mom,” organizing games and entertaining children during family reunions, sleepovers with cousins, and gatherings with friends. As a Primary teacher, when her daughters were young, she taught them about Jesus Christ and the importance of faith. Family pets held a special place in her heart, often filling the home with two or three dogs and cats at once. She and Dick later divorced.

On July 29, 1974, Yvonne married her second great love, Kenneth Stirland. The couple shared a deep passion for golf, and over the years, Yvonne honed her skills until she became a worthy opponent to Ken on the course. Together, they traveled extensively across the United States and made cherished trips to Ken’s hometown of Preston, England.

After retiring in 1996, they returned to Kanab and poured their love into restoring Yvonne’s historic 1894 family home. Yvonne served as Secretary of the Kanab Women’s Golf Club and continued to enjoy the game. In her later years, she enjoyed time with her children, grandchildren, and extended family.

Yvonne was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Vola Rider; her brother, Mel; her first husband, Dick; and her second husband, Ken. She is survived by her daughters, Tanya (Michael, deceased) Meeks of Kanab, UT, and Cindy (Doug) Turnquist of Kanab, UT; step-sons Jeff Stirland of Phoenix, AZ, Michael Stirland of Salt Lake City, UT, and David (Kathy) Stirland of Kearns, UT; step-daughter Gloria (Keith, deceased) John of Sandy, UT; sister Margaret Rider Excell; 16 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at the Kanab Utah Stake Center, with a viewing from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow at the Kanab Cemetery. 

Services were arranged with Mosdell Mortuary.

In place of flowers, please consider a donation to the Kanab High School Golf Club.