Sarah Baker Yircott Obituary
Sarah Baker Yircott, 63, of St. Joseph, passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at her home. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 4, at 10:30 AM at First Congregational Church, 2001 Niles Ave., St. Joseph, with Pastor Jeffrey Hubers officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, May 3, from 5 PM until 7 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd. Memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational Church. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Sarah was born June 30, 1960, in St. Joseph, to Burton & Norma (Hammond) Baker. She graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1978 and continued her education by attending Michigan State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. On October 12, 1985, Sarah married the love of her life, Jeffrey Yircott, at First Congregational Church. She began her business career as an insurance analyst while living in Chicago, where they enjoyed the many opportunities the city had to offer. She later relocated to St. Joseph where she was employed with Whirlpool Corporation as a Senior Claims Advisor in the legal department until her retirement in December of 2021. Sarah felt fortunate that she was able to cruise the Caribbean Seas and to visit Paris and Hong Kong. Her travel highlight was a family trip to Italy where she celebrated her birthday in Rome’s Coliseum. Sarah was a proud life-long member of First Congregational Church where she participated in the bell choir and a variety of their boards and committees. She also assisted in co-founding the Discovery Tree Preschool at Zion Church. Sarah enjoyed being outside; whether it was tending to her flower gardens or laying out at the beach or pool with a cocktail in hand, she was always soaking up the rays of sunlight. She loved attending her children’s sporting events from the uncertain weather of track meets with the wind whipping off the lake at St. Joseph High School, to the sunny and balmy days enjoying St. Joseph men’s tennis and every contest in between. What gave her the most joy was spending time with family. Hosting family holiday events filled her heart with so much happiness. Sarah will be truly missed by all who knew her.
Sarah is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Jeff; children, Kevin Yircott (Allison Gola) of St. Joseph and Katherine (Robby) Schuler of Chicago; granddaughter, Marlowe Schuler; siblings, Ben (Beth) Baker and Betsy (Rob) Newell; nieces & nephews, Lindsay, Brett, Nick, Allison and Tyler. She was preceded in death by her parents, Burton and Norma. She also leaves behind a circle of dear friends, Cindy Bell, Myrtelisa Bunker, Becky Foster, Maria ‘Mia’ Madison, Tricia Scott, and Shirley Taylor.
The family wishes to thank Corewell Health Hospice for their care and compassion in Sarah’s final months.