Yvonne Fraley
August 16, 1927 ~ February 24, 2022
Yvonne Fraley, 94, of Taylorville, IL, passed away peacefully Thursday morning February 24, 2022 surrounded by her loving family at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL.
Yvonne was born August 16, 1927 the daughter of Ural and Thelma (Benham) Gardner in Christian County. She attended Fairview Elementary School and later graduated from Taylorville High School in 1945. She was a drum majorette in the band, co-editor of the yearbook, was a top 10 honor student and elected prom queen her senior year. In 1949 she graduated from the University of Illinois College of Education. During college, she was a member of Gamma Phi Beta social sorority, Alpha Lamba Delta scholastic honorary, Junior editor of the yearbook, and chosen to be a member of TORCH.
Yvonne began her career teaching English and Spanish, and served as the Dean of Girls at Taylorville Junior High School until her retirement.
On August 13th, 1949 she was united in marriage to her High School sweetheart Varel Fraley and they celebrated nearly 50 years of marriage before his passing in 1999.
Yvonne was beloved by all who met her. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and a friend to all. She enjoyed spending her winters in North Redington Beach, FL spending most days soaking up the sun on the beach, loved shopping, was an avid lover of books, and she enjoyed Big Band music and dancing. Most of all she was a symbol grace, class, integrity, and unconditional love. She always looked for the best in both people and situations and was described as possessing a “special sweetness”.
Having been raised in the Presbyterian Church, Yvonne had faith in God and Christ.
Yvonne was preceded in death by her parents, Ural and Thelma (Benham) Gardner; husband, Varel; sister, Annette; and daughter, LeAnne.
She is survived by daughter, Kedra Manginelli and husband Bill of Lee’s Summit, MO; grandchildren, Weston (wife, Courtney) Manginelli, Brittain (wife, Jonnalyn) Manginelli, Trenten (husband, James) Dempsey-Rozeboom, Cameron Dempsey, Trisha (husband, Zachary) Arquilla; great grandchildren who knew her as GiGi, Rocco and Aureia Manginelli and Marlee Grace and Calvin Arquilla; brother-in-law, Vance (wife, Katie) Fraley; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation & Funeral Ceremony: The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the time of ceremony at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home, 202 W. Franklin Street, Taylorville, IL 62568, with Bill Manginelli officiating.
Interment will follow the ceremony at Edinburg Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Kemmerer Village, 941 N 2500 East Rd, Assumption, IL 62510.
Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories of Yvonne, or offer condolences to her family.
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Mrs. Fraley was such an awesome person. When I was in junior high, she was such a blessing to me. Her compassion and understanding meant more to me than she ever knew. To this day, I have not forgotten her kindness and attention. She was a light here. Heaven gained a beautiful soul.
Dave and I are so sorry to hear about Yvonne. She was the sweetest person and I always enjoyed visiting with her when I saw her at Kroger’s. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Dave & Marylee Babbs
Loved your mom, Kedra. Who didn’t!! She was a consistent ray of sunshine for all of us, whenever and where ever. Not sure I have ever met a person who always made others feel like they were the only one in the room. She gave you her undivided attention, and always with a smile. I can only imagine her joy when she was reunited with your dad and LeAnne and other family members. This earth was blessed for many years with your mom and now she is enjoying her heavenly reward. We send our deepest sympathy as you honor your mom. Blessings to you and your family.
Kedra, I remember your mom as being very beautiful both inside and out–a truly lovely, gracious lady. Her obituary describes a life well-lived. My condolences on your loss. May your beautiful memories of her comfort you at this sad time. Marilyn Summer Firestone
Meeting Yvonne ( gramma) for the first time at her granddaughters marriage to my son, Zach, there was an instantaneous bond. We almost had the exact style dress on , just different colors for their Florida wedding . She reached out to me – about my son and how SHE couldnt be happier to have him in her family. . At her precious daughters celebration of life – , she called certain family members into her house ( One by one- Covid time) , to talk and share memories AND I was one of them. What a mind that woman had , so full of wisdom , i will forever hold her words in my heart. Love you Gramma , your brightness will be shining down from heaven