Yvonne D. Kirchner, 81, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, October 28, 2012 after an extended illness.  She was born December 2, 1930, in Alliance, Nebraska, the youngest child of Ebenezer and Dora (Curry) Garrett. 

A lifetime Alliance resident; she graduated from Alliance High School in 1948.  She received her teaching certificate from Nebraska State Normal School at Chadron.  She then worked in area rural schools for short time. 

Yvonne married Carroll J. Kirchner on June 25, 1951 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, in Alliance Nebraska.  They were married for 20 years, when Carroll was called home on November 19, 1971.  After his death, she was employed as secretary/bookkeeper at the Conoco Bulk Plant for many years. She was also employed by Copsey Clinic and Bates-Gould Funeral Home until her health declined.

She is survived by her son, Tom (Kathy) Kirchner of Alliance, their children Chris (Maridee) Kirchner and children Caleb, Eli and Declan of Lincoln, NE.; Matt (Melissa) Kirchner and children, Kennedy and Beckett of Olathe, KS; her daughter, Debbie (Brad) Gering of Alliance, their children Ryan (Morgan) Gering, children, Savannah and Caroline of Wichita, KS; Raime (Justin) Misko, children, Kixten, Cacen and Eizlee of Lincoln, NE; her daughter Pam (Dave) Lawrence of Alliance, their children Dustin Lawrence of Lincoln, NE;  Josh (Amity) Lawrence, children, Mykenah and Gracen of Omaha, NE; Courtney Lawrence of Alliance, NE, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carroll, her parents, 3 sisters and 4 brothers.

Her grandchildren were her greatest joy. She enjoyed following their many activities, rarely missing one of their events.   She initiated the bingo program at Holy Rosary, overseeing it for more than 30 years.  She enjoyed the many friendships she was blessed with through bingo, as well as lunches with the girls from the class of 1948.  She was known for her giving spirit, and cookie and pie making skills.  She loved to shop, as long as it was shopping for her family or for bingo.  Christmas was always her favorite time of year with presents for everyone and decorating of her “Better Homes and Garden” Christmas tree. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Rosary Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday November 3rd with Father Lou Nollette officiating.  Burial will with follow at Calvary Cemetery.  A wake service will be Friday November 2nd at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Rosary Church.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday November 2nd  at Bates Gould Funeral Home.

Memorials can be designated to St. Agnes Foundation or Prairie Haven Hospice.

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.  Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.