Louise Lorraine (Laufenberger) Yost

Louise Lorraine (Laufenberger) Yost, 90, passed away on December 18, 2020. Due to COVID issues, her funeral service and interment will be private. Louise was born on March 25, 1930 to her parents Harry and Beulah Laufenberger, in Wichita, Kansas. Louise attended Wichita public schools, and graduated from Wichita North High School in 1948. After her high school graduation, Louise attended Wichita Business College, and was soon employed as a legal secretary at the law firm of Hershberger, Patterson and Jones. She worked for all of the attorneys in that firm, but was assigned specifically to Pat Patterson. She always had kind things to say about the attorneys in that firm, especially Mr. Patterson. In 1951, Louise met Merle K. Yost, who had returned from the South Pacific where he had served his country in the Army Air Corps. Louise and Merle were married at Woodland Methodist Church on August 31, 1952. She and Merle would be married for 63 years, until Merle’s death in 2015. Louise was a stay-at-home mother to their children: Steve (Emily McGuire), Eric, and Michele, all of whom survive. The Yosts lived primarily in Wichita, and Merle became involved in the automobile business. Over time, he became owner of Merle Yost Chrysler Plymouth and Merle Yost Ford, and Louise always helped him with those businesses. Merle retired in 1979, and spent his time playing golf, working on his investments, and traveling with Louise. Merle and Louise enjoyed visiting many places around the world, both before and after retirement, and also traveled extensively with their children in the United States. Merle and Louise had friends in many social circles, and enjoyed a wide variety of interests. They especially enjoyed the friends with whom they were able to play cards on Saturday evenings. Merle and Louise were active in their church, Eastminster Presbyterian Church. Louise enjoyed her volunteer work at Wesley Hospital (where she and all her children were born). She had a great love of animals, and volunteered at Pals Animal Rescue in Wichita. She also volunteered with Wichita Senior Services. Louise was also a girl scout leader when her daughter, Michele, was involved in scouting. Louise was predeceased by her husband Merle, and her parents, Harry and Beulah Laufenberger. She is survived by all three of her children; her four grandchildren, Christopher Garrett (Karen), Eric Garrett (Melissa), Jordan Yost (Claire) and Alissa Yost Dunn (Deondre); and her six great-grandchildren, Julia Yost, Steven Evans, Jr, Christian Dunn, Drake Dunn, Mariah Dunn, and Tiffany Dunn. The Yost family would like to express its appreciation to Louise’s caregivers: the good folks at Regent Park Assisted Living, Brookdale Senior Living, and Serenity Hospice Care; also Jodie Houston for her in-home care, and Marilyn Roberts for her hairstyling. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1820 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67214 or Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67219. Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.

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