Barbara Jean Yeager

Beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother Barbara Jean Malaska Yeager passed away at the age of 87 on March 26, 2024, at Brookdale Tanque Verde Senior Living in Tucson, Arizona. Born on July 7, 1936, to Joseph and Virginia (Wells) Malaska in Mercy Toledo Hospital in Toledo, Ohio, Barbara lived a full and well-traveled life. She was the loving wife of Richard Allen “Dick” Yeager of 66 years. Together, they raised a family of 2 sons and 3 daughters in Lambertville, Michigan and later moved to Sunsites/Pearce, Arizona where they resided for 30 years. They enjoyed country western music, square dancing, and spending time with friends. Barbara was a devoted homemaker and exceptional seamstress, known for her beautiful and intricate Christmas stockings she made for all her children and their spouses, and her grandchildren and their spouses, which her daughter Margaret will carry on. She loved growing roses as it reminded her of her grandmother, Ida Wells, and could often be found watching birds or tending to her animals. Her work didn’t stop there, as she held several jobs throughout the years. From slicing and packaging meat to medical record keeping to opening and operating a floral business, selling Becky Handbags, and even serving as a greeter at the local Wal-Mart, she was always doing and learning something. In her free time, Barbara enjoyed puzzles and bingo nights, was an avid fan of Wheel of Fortune, and loved to play cards with her family. Everyone knew if you played cards with her, you better know how to play because she did not hold back when/if you messed up. She was feisty and not to be tested, even outside of a card game. Barbara attended Wynne Chapel and followed Christ faithfully. After she had to give up her driver’s license, she longed to get it back and said if she did, she would pick up all her friends and acquaintances and take them to Wynne Chapel. She loved the people and spent lots of time there. Barbara is survived by her five children: Richard Allen (Mimi Schmidt) Yeager, Jr. of Toledo, Ohio, Frank Charles (Judy) Yeager of Goose Creek, South Carolina, Pauline Sue (Brent) Gottfried of Lambertville, Michigan, Wanda Kathleen Arnoldi of Tucson, and Margaret Elaine (David) Ritchie of North Richland Hills, Texas. She is also survived by her sister Louida Shultz of Toledo, Ohio; 16 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death was her husband of 66 years Richard “Dick” Yeager, her parents, her son-in-law, and 3 great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on April 27, 2024, at 4pm at Chapel on the Rise in Cochise, AZ. A private burial will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Wynne Chapel or Chapel on the Rise. Arrangements have been entrusted to Westlawn Chapel & Mortuary. Rest in peace, dear Barbara. You will be forever missed and always remembered.

Barbara Jean Yeager

July 7, 1936 - March 26, 2024