Margaret “Joann” Yarger, 88, of Centralia, Kansas passed away at Eastridge Nursing Home in Centralia, Kansas, on Sunday, January 9, 2022.

Joann was born October 18, 1933, in Axtell, Kansas to Ralph and Rose (Dalsing) Schmidt. She graduated from Marysville High School, Marysville, Kansas in 1952.

She married Earl Yarger of Centralia, Kansas on August 27, 1952 in Marysville, Kansas. The couple raised six children on a farm NW of Centralia and celebrated 49 years of marriage.

Joann was a homemaker and was involved in the Centralia community as a Congregational Church (United Church of Christ) Sunday school teacher and with Women’s Fellowship. She was a Farmer’s Union Representative, assisted with Voting, and was on the Cemetery Board. Joann was also involved in EHU, enjoyed baking, making cakes for grandkids, made each of her children’s wedding cakes, as well as for extended family.

She was an avid crocheter, making bride dolls for each of her grandchildren. Crocheted angels were a special gift at Christmas for all her family and friends and each year had a special theme. Over the years she made well over 1,000 angels.

Teaching and nurturing her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren was her whole life’s purpose.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Rose Schmidt; husband (Earl) in 2001, two sisters, Jane Foley and Pauline Henderson; two brothers, Bill Schmidt and Ralph, Jr. Schmidt; and two grandchildren, Katie Yarger on March 8, 2021 and Jason Adams on July 30, 2009.

Joann was survived by her children, Debbie (Clifford III) Wood, Sandusky, Ohio; Kenny (Sandy) Yarger, Centralia, KS; Christine (Michael) Rhoads, Alma, KS; Brenda (Royce) Bruntzel, Jamestown, KS; Steve (Louise) Yarger, Plattsmouth, NE; Robert Yarger, Topeka, KS; brothers-in-law, Ted Henderson and Selbert Gandy; sisters-in-law, Linda Schwartz, Erma Gandy, Audrey Chestnut and Patsy Schmidt; 18 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and two “in the oven.”

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. at the Centralia Community Church (West), with the Funeral Service starting at 11:00 A.M.; dinner following.

Memorials will be designated at a later date.

To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com .