Funeral: Arlene Yantis

Arlene Elizabeth (Roberts) Yantis born July 6, 1928, in White Cloud, MO (near Osceola, MO), to her parents, Jeff and Leah Roberts, went home to be with her Lord August 21, 2020, in Northland Hospice Care at NKCH, at the age of 92 years, 1 month, and 15 days.

Arlene grew up as one of four kids in the Roberts’ house, alongside her sister, Jerry, and her brothers, Gene and Howard. At age 14, Arlene’s father passed away from prostate cancer. She very soon after went to work to help out her family while also continuing with school. She graduated from Osceola High School in the late 1940s.

Arlene worked various jobs, from the time she was fourteen. She started out working at a bus station. During World War II, Arlene worked at a shop helping produce military uniforms. She next went to work for National Bellas Hess in North Kansas City where she did book keeping.

The late 1950s brought a big change into her life. You see, Arlene was set up for a blind date…I wish I could relate the story of all that happened—from the scheme to help Arlene get out of the date if her friends didn’t approve of this guy, to the plan including getting the license plate of the car and to call the police if she wasn’t back by a certain time…all of which proved to not be needed. She met the love of her life, Harry Glenn Yantis, on this date! On October 13, 1959 they were married…for 52 years until Harry’s passing in 2011. To their lives, God increased the joy of their home with the addition of their son Dan…and eventually his wife Kathy…and their kids (Arlene’s grand kids)…and great grand kids, too.

Living here in Kansas City. Being part of the early days of Claycomo Village. Building the house they would live in for 36 in the village. One more important life changing aspect of Arlene’s life happened here in KC. She began attending The Baptist Temple here in KC and committed her life to Jesus as her Savior and Lord. Harry also committed his life to Christ…and the two of them connected their lives with the life of our church family at Claycomo Baptist Church, where they served faithfully for many years.

Arlene certainly enjoyed her family…and Dan told me that she also really, really enjoyed her dog, Cinnamon. She enjoyed watching birds, collecting classic dolls and dishes, and canning.

She has been described by her family as a great cook. Stories of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals have been fondly retold. Significant emphasis was given to her candy she made during the holidays…and then other treats throughout the year making every holiday special, including home made ice cream. An overwhelming majority of input from our church family established high regard for Arlene’s German chocolate cake. (Y’all enjoy.)

When I asked the family how they would concisely describe Arlene, they said loving, always available, always welcoming to her grand children… “any time,” hard worker, reserved…& stubborn (she taught herself how to drive…stingy with those amazing recipes). A member of our church described Arlene as gracious…recounting the time she came into the kitchen on Easter Sunday morning—when the men of our church cook breakfast for everyone—to be sure and express her appreciation and approval of the cooking of our guys. Another church mentioned how friendly Arlene was to her…and how she got a great mandarin orange cake recipe from her.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, Jeff and Leah Roberts; Her husband, Harry Yantis; her brother, Gene Roberts; her sister, Jerry Edwards; her granddaughter, Mary Anne Yantis, as well as some of her church family and friends. She is survived by her son, Dan, and his wife Kathy; her brother, Howard Roberts; her granddaughters, Patty Wofford, Betsy Boswell, and Sara Yantis; her four great grandchildren; her church family; and other relatives and friends.

Song: “In the Sweet By and By”

(?) Eulogies

Message: Psalm 23 - Four Assurances in the Face of Death - Scott

At times like these, we often look for assurance—something, or someone, on which/whom we can hold. I believe that, just as in all the days of our lives, today we will only find lasting assurance in what our Lord has said (which He still says today).

One of the most often mentioned passages of Scripture to help us understand hope, even amid the grief and sorrow of the death of a loved one and friend, is Psalm 23. Here we find, for those whose hearts and lives are surrendered to The Good Shepherd (John 10.11-18) … four assurances our Lord, Jesus, has for us.

A PERSONAL ASSURANCE (Psalm 23.1)

“The LORD is my shepherd”

A PEACEFUL ASSURANCE (Psalm 23.2-3)

“He makes me lie down in green pastures”

“He leads me beside still waters”

“He restores my soul”

A PROFOUND ASSURANCE (Psalm 23.4)

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…you are with me”

A PROMISE ASSURANCE (Psalm 23.5-6)

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies”

“My cup overflows”

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me”

“I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever”

These assurances come with a condition…a requirement, a prerequisite. The person who would have these assurances must have Jesus as their Savior. This means you must recognize your sin and need of a Substitute, Savior, Redeemer, & LORD. The bottom line regarding eternal life is Jesus!

John 14:6 CSB

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Our relationship with Jesus as Savior and Lord makes this great hymn, “Amazing Grace,” such a beautiful song of hope…and assurance.

Song: “Amazing Grace”

Prayer - Scott

Dismissing of Friends

__________________________

Graveside Service:

Scripture - Scott

1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 CSB

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For we say this to you by a word from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Prayer - Scott

Psalm 23:6 CSB

Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.

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