Yvonne Mae “Tootie” Fondriest, 78, of New Philadelphia, passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at The Gables of Canton, following a period of declining health. Born October 13, 1945, in Plymouth, England, she was a daughter of the late Earl R. and Dorothy Mae (Murch) Johnson.
After coming to the United States in infancy with her mother on a converted battleship at the close of World War II, Yvonne was a lifelong Tuscarawas County resident. After her 1963 graduation from Uhrichsville High School, she worked for the White House, the Pentagon, and the United States Information Agency. She cherished the memory of meeting President John F. Kennedy during her time in Washington, D.C. Upon returning to Uhrichsville, she was employed by United Bank for over 25 years, retiring in the late 80’s. She had been a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Dennison for many years and had most recently been a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dover. She loved cooking and tending to her yard and gardens, enjoyed shopping and reminiscing, and was a member of the New Philadelphia V.F.W. Auxiliary.
On October 5, 1968, Yvonne married Arthur J. Fondriest who survives her along with their son, Chad A. Fondriest, and grandsons, Logan, Evan, and James Fondriest. She is also survived by her sister, Lois Ann Willison; sisters- and brothers-in-law, Marian and Randy Hillyer and Joyce and Richard Gallagher; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Billy Johnson, when he was 16 years old, as well as her brothers- and sister-in-law, Terry Willison and Marvin and Carrie Fondriest.
Father Jimmy Hatfield will celebrate the funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, at Immaculate Conception Church in Dennison. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery near Dennison. According to Yvonne’s wishes, no public visitation is planned. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society and Immaculate Conception Church. Yvonne’s family wish to express their gratitude to the staff of The Gables of Canton for the outstanding care they provided during her time there.
R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home, Inc.
740.922.1970
www.lindseyfh.com
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