Yuvonne Fay Bellis, of Kalamazoo, was welcomed into her heavenly home and into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at the age of 89. Just two days shy of her 90th birthday, Yuvonne leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories and a love that will forever remain in the hearts of her family and all those blessed to know her.

Yuvonne was born at her family home in Decatur, Michigan, on October 27, 1936, to Buelah and Basil Conklin. One of ten children, she grew up in Lawrence, Michigan, surrounded by family. She later graduated from Lawrence High School.

On September 15, 1956, Yuvonne married Robert Bellis, the love of her life. Their love story began in high school and blossomed into a marriage that spanned 70 years. Together, they raised four daughters and built a life centered on love, faith, and family. Through life’s joys and challenges, they remained side by side, creating a legacy that continued to grow with each generation. What began as a family of six has grown to 57 and counting, a beautiful reflection of the love they shared and the family they built together.

Yuvonne worked as a bus driver for Comstock Public Schools for 25 years, a job she truly loved. She enjoyed the good kids and always had a few stories to share about the naughty ones! She made every bus ride a little more special by decorating her bus, dressing up for different occasions, and handing out treats to the children. With her fun-loving personality and thoughtful touches, Yuvonne made the children feel special and turned an ordinary bus ride into a memorable part of their school days.

Yuvonne and Bob loved supporting their grandchildren in all their school and college activities, proudly cheering them on every step of the way. They enjoyed playing games with their grandkids, and Yuvonne was especially known for her playful sense of humor and practical jokes. During retirement, they spent 22 wonderful years as snowbirds in Florida, where they made many lasting friendships and enjoyed plenty of time playing marbles together.

Yuvonne also enjoyed exploring new hobbies, including quilting, Swedish Weave, and stained glass. She lovingly made quilts and blankets for family, giving them something special to treasure for years to come. Those handmade gifts, created with love, will always be a reminder of her caring heart and the memories she leaves behind.

Yuvonne’s faith was always an important part of her life. She and Bob were longtime members of Spring Valley Church since 1964. Over the years, they faithfully served in various ministries and formed many lasting friendships along the way.

Yuvonne is survived by her husband Robert; daughters: Cheryl Peterson of Portage, Brenda (Steve) Esman of Kalamazoo, Ronda Munson of London, Ohio, Karen (Jeff) Koch of Parchment; grandchildren: Becky (Rusty) Green, Rachelle (Jason) Smith, Chad (Stephanie) Peterson, Annie (Jonathan) Sare, Ashley Munson, Jaime Owen, Janelle (Bryan) Haupt, Kelly (Jordan) Alvey, Zac Koch, Sam Koch, Max (Rebecca) Koch, Noah (Ashley) Koch; 27 Great-grandchildren; and siblings: Ilah (Nick) Pollich, Fern Conklin, Shirley Van Galder, Chuck Conklin, Sharon Vitek, Harold (Sue) Conklin.

Yuvonne is preceded in death by son-in-law: Kevin Munson and Mike Peterson; siblings: M.J. (Phyllis) Conklin, Halo (Boston) Mann, Bill Conklin, Richard Van Galder, Sharolyn Conklin, Jim Vitek.