Yvonne Estella Klotz, 64, of Nappanee, Ind., went home to be with her precious Lord and Saviour at 6:40 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. She fought a courageous battle for 4 years and 9 months with a gentle spirit and a smile on her face.

She was born Oct. 4, 1947, in South Bend, Ind., to Silas and Elizabeth Whiteman Ritenour. She married Wayne Klotz Aug. 11, 1968, in South Bend City Church of the Brethren. Yvonne grew up in the River Park area of South Bend and has lived in Nappanee since married. She was a graduate of South Bend Adams High School and attended business college at South Bend College of Commerce.

She was a homemaker and had worked at First National Bank in Nappanee. She also had been a teacher’s assistant at Woodview Elementary School for 10 years. Yvonne was an active member of Nappanee Missionary Church and Acts 29 Small Church. She was a loving wife and mother, and enjoyed traveling, reading, and sewing.

Surviving are her husband: Wayne Klotz; a daughter: Jeanine Klotz; and son: Jon Klotz, all of Nappanee; a brother: Lamar (Donna) Ritenour, Sebring, Fla.; sisters: Wanda (Philip) Snavely, Vivian Sue (Charles) Yoder, both of South Bend, Ind.; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by a sister: Carolyn Bartlet; and brother-in-law: Jack Bartlet.

Family and friends may call from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, at Nappanee Missionary Church, and for 1 hour prior to the Celebration of Yvonne’s life, which will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, at the church. Officiating will be Pastor Dave Engbrecht and Pastor Don Rohrer. Burial will be in South Union Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be given to Kenya Baby Center.