Sally Yost

Sally Yost emerged from the difficult circumstances of her early life with a heart eager to love, an ear willing to listen, and hands ready to help. She learned to value family above all and to empathize with those who struggled. She had many friends and people of all ages enjoyed talking to her. Her husband, children, and grandchildren brought her immeasurable joy and she loved doting on them.

The globe rejoiced in 1945 when World War II was finally over, but Adam and Doris (Rodgers) Kryszewski of Grand Rapids, Michigan, received their own personal good tidings when they learned that they were expecting a child. Little Sally arrived on February 19, 1946, and was the second of what would be three children. Their father worked long hours at Widdicomb Furniture, and tragically their mother passed away when Sally was a young girl. The children were often left to fend for themselves and were largely responsible for caring for each other. The family lived at 739 12th Street NW and Sally attended St. Adalbert's Elementary School. She went on to West Catholic and then Union High until 11th grade.

Sally had children at a young age and Ron, Connie, and Christine were the greatest joys she had ever known. The children's father was not involved much and eventually had no role in their lives, leaving Sally to bear the responsibility of raising them. She did a wonderful job in their home on 12th Street, instilling values of love and respect. She modeled graciousness and sacrifice by caring for her father after his stroke until his death. She also provided the kids with fond memories of good times like trips to the zoo or packing everyone into the station wagon with a grocery bag full of popcorn to take to the drive-in. Sally loved holidays, cherishing the time together as a family, and was always enthusiastic about decorating and dressing up. Her children adopted her holiday habits as adults, and Ron's Halloween display became well known by his neighbors.

Sally had a family friend, Bruce Yost, for years. In 1975, she and Bruce began spending time together and their relationship quickly became serious. In 1976 they moved in together and were married in May the following year at Unity Church on Walker Street. Sally had not grown up in an affectionate home, but life after Bruce changed all that, with hugs and kisses all around. Bruce played in a country-rock band, "Sounds of Rhythm." Sally loved to watch them play and even enjoyed dancing if she had a little "liquid courage" beforehand. Bruce had been married previously and had a daughter, Chris. In the late 1980s, Bruce and Sally won custody of Chris and Sally welcomed her into the family as if she were her own daughter. Sally and Bruce traveled to Las Vegas a few times where Sally consistently cashed in her luck at the slots. She nearly missed a flight home after stopping by the slots as her plane was in its final boarding stage.

Sally had varied interests and played golf with a women's league for a few years. She collected knick-knacks and souvenir cups as well as miscellaneous items around the house, stating, "you never know if you might need it someday." She kept her home clean but didn't let it dictate how she spent her time. An excellent cook, Sally was famous for her sauerkraut, goulash, and Swiss steak. She enjoyed a variety of meats and was particularly fond of lobster. She always looked forward to dinner on the lakeshore at Bil Mar Restaurant in Grand Haven, appreciative of the view along the beach. Sally loved all animals and was especially partial to cats. Some of her personal favorites were Punky, Pookie, Mama Kitty, Harley, and Elliot. She also enjoyed music, especially Willie Nelson, Enya, and Rick Nelson, and occasionally attended concerts.

Sally's own challenging circumstances had given her compassion and optimism toward others. She loved being around people and her ability to find the good in anyone made her a joy to be with. Her acceptance of others without judging won her many friends and her encouraging and timely words of wisdom allowed her to keep them. The tragic losses of her mother and daughter had taught Sally to value people more than things. She knew that time was fleeting and she made her family her top priority. When grandchildren arrived, Sally embraced the role of Grandma and adored every single one of them. She loved to surprise her loved ones in thoughtful ways, spoiling them on special occasions even though she told them not to expect anything. Her example of self-sacrifice, kindness, and love will continue to touch the lives of all who knew her.

Sally died on Wednesday, March 21, 2007. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Connie La Seur, and brothers, Bob (Shirley) Kryszewski and James Kryszewski. Sally is survived by her husband, Bruce; children, Ron (Monica) Leonard, Christine (James) Jansen, and Chris (Bob) Mc Farlin; grandchildren, Steven, Jeffrey, Nathan, Ashli, Will, and Garrett; sister, Maryann (Peter) Schmuker; sister-in-law, Judy (Charley) Townsend; brother-in-law, Ken (Laura) Yost; and several nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 26, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes - Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Humane Society of Kent County or Paws with a Cause would be appreciated. Please visit Sally's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a favorite photo or memory, sign the online guest book, or view her Life Story film.