Yavon Lucille Trotter, 85, of Valmeyer, Illinois, peacefully passed on Friday January 3, 2025 at Three Springs Senior Living and Rehabilitation, Chester, Illinois.
She was born to the late Murray and Lottie Davis on April 8, 1939 in Bradley Township, Illinois.
Yavon married William “Bill” Trotter on April 20, 1957 in St. Louis, Missouri; he preceded her in death on August 11, 2007.
Yavon held various jobs throughout her life, including working at the Mushroom Farm in Valmeyer and several restaurants, where she learned many recipes that she lovingly prepared for her family. She later obtained her CNA license and worked at the Monroe County Nursing Home, as well as an in-home caregiver for several individuals in Waterloo, Illinois.
Yavon enjoyed many activities, especially going to country dances with her husband, where they loved “cutting the rug” to old fashioned country music. She cherished having her children and grandchildren over for BBQ’s, spontaneous water fights and a wholesome card game. Yavon has a deep love for animals, treating her cats and dogs as additional children. Her beloved pets included dogs Rex, Mutt, Princess, Rocky and Frisky and cats Leo, Suzie and Fuzzbutt.
A passionate gardener, Yavon could make any flower bloom with her magical touch. She also took many years of lessons to master the art of painting intricate details into her works. While she painted many household wood items, her true passion was for Christmas décor. Her art lives on through her family, who adorn their Christmas trees with the many ornaments she crafted each year.
Yavon was as avid baseball fan, always rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals and sharing pointers on how they could have really won the game. She also enjoyed collecting items like porcelain dolls, collector plates and jewelry gifted by her husband. Yavon loved fishing, especially at her daugher’s well-stocked lake.
Survivors:
3 Children:
Brenda Oetjen
Bob (Pam) Trotter
Stephanie Behnken
1 Son-in-law:
Shawn Behnken
8 Grandchildren:
Stephen (Brittni) Schmitz, Becky (Kevin) Followell, Brian Zavala, Sheila (Mike) Jarvis, Nathan Trotter, Ashley Higgerson, Amanda (Joe) Behnken and Michael (Marissa) Behnken
9 Great Grandchildren and one on the way
Preceded in death by:Parents, Husband, 1 Daughter – Sandy Zavala and 1 Granddaughter – Jenny Sheridan
Funeral Service:
1:00 pm, Thursday, January 9, 2025
Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois
Officiating:
Pastor Dan Ahlenius
Interment:
Evergreen Cemetery
Ava, Illinois
Visitation:
Thursday – 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois
Memorials:
Randolph County Humane Society