Blanche Tolman Yonk

PETERSBORO, UTAH: Blanche Yonk was born Martha Blanche Tolman on November 10,1916 in Logan, Utah. She was the first child of 6 born to Wallace R. and Elsa Flade Tolman. She died on October 12, 2010 in Petersboro, Utah. She grew up in Logan and graduated from Logan High School. She always loved reading and learning new things.
She married Merlin H. Yonk on October 17, 1935 in the Salt Lake Temple. She has joined Merlin in heaven just in time to celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary. They made their home on the family farm in Petersboro. Blanche enjoyed living in the country and found joy in watching nature's miracles unfold. The early years were depression years, and they were followed by the uncertainty of World War II but through it all - the hard times and the good times - they made a happy home for their children. Merlene (Wesley) Johnson, Logan, Richard (Nancy) Yonk, Petersboro, Judy (Peter) Maughan, East Layton, Linda (Lynn) Batterman" Morrison, Col., Becky (Colin) Hadfied, deceased and Reed (Kyle) Yonk, Petersboro.
Family was always important to her. Her children remember fun family trips to the national parks especially Yellowstone, magical Christmases and fun birthdays. She was an excellent seamstress and made many beautiful dresses for her daughters. Her potato salad, fried chicken and chili are family favorites. She remembered all her grandchildren's (22) and great grandchildren's (55) birthdays with a card and present.
At Easter she always had an Easter egg hunt, on Halloween there was a bag of treats for her great grand kids and neighborhood children and her Christmas party was always filled with lots of food, presents and laughter.
Blanche always stressed the importance of education and was active in PTA serving as president of the Mendon Elementary school. Many summers were spent as a 4-H leader working with her children and their friends on 4-H projects for the Cache County and State Fairs. She was an active member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Mendon Camp and served as captain.
She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She enjoyed teaching the children in Primary and Sunday School and being a Visiting Teacher. She enjoyed working with her husband on many ward parties and especially the Mendon May Day celebration.
Loving and giving are words her friends and family use to describe Blanche as she always thought of others before herself. By example she taught her family be be considerate, hard working, self reliant and to value learning and the beauties of nature. She taught us to love by loving us.
We love you Mom! Congratulations on a life well lived.
She is survived by a sister, Eileen Olson, Upland, California, a brother Wallace (Irene) Tolman, Camarillo, California, a sister-in-law, Betty Lou (Rex) Zilles, College Ward, A brother-in-law, Earl Yonk, Logan and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Merlin, her daughter, Becky; her sisters June Bowen and Ivaloo
Evans,and brother, Paul.

Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday, October 16, in the Mendon/Petersboro Chapel at 20 North 100 West in Mendon. The viewing will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Allen-Hall Mortuary at 34 E. Center on Friday, October 15 and from 10:30 to 11 :30 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Interment will be in the Mendon Cemetery. An online guestbook may be signed at www.allenmortuaries.net