Obituary of Yvonne Alta Barkman

MERIDALE Yvonne Alta Barkman, 90, of Meridale, passed peacefully on the quiet morning of Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014. She was born on March 5, 1924 in Bloomville, NY to William and Florence (Morrison) Foster. During her lifetime Yvonne touched the hearts of every person who knew her. A kind, genuine, warm hearted woman, her small stature could never measure up to the enormity of her heart. They say, "Great things come in small packages," and Yvonne was living proof. Growing up during the Great Depression, Yvonne learned to live a very simple, yet fulfilling life. That was the only way she knew how. Life to her was never supposed to be complicated. She could often be found reading or doing endless amounts of crossword puzzles. Whenever anyone came to visit they were welcomed with open arms and endless amounts of cookies. Leaving the supermarket she was always laden down with more sweets then fruits and veggies. "A cookie a day keeps the doctor away" she would smile. When out and about in Delhi running errands, Yvonne was always stopping to greet everyone and anyone. She wore a smile on her face and was always up for a good laugh. A true animal lover at heart, any strays at her door were never turned away. She even shared her home with an opossum named Susie in her early married life. Yvonne loved to spend the majority of her time outdoors. Family, neighbors and friends would often spot her out on her riding mower with a smile on her face, arm raised in the air waving hello, tending to the home she loved. With her gentle patience and green thumb any plant would thrive under her care. She attended the Meredith Baptist Church. Always thinking about the well-being of others, she gave to many charities without a second thought. Yvonne truly spread joy wherever she went and touched the hearts of so many. She is greatly missed, but truly lived a life worth celebrating! A life-long resident of Delhi, Yvonne is survived by many family and friends. She is survived by her daughter Karin Backus, son-in-law Robert Backus, three grandchildren: Hannah Backus, Nathan Backus of East Meredith; Tracy Furgerson and two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by Ivan Foster (brother), Naomi Baskind (sister), Jeanette Basch (sister) and Peggy Damron (sister). And don't forget her cat Snowball. She is predeceased by her husband Walter Barkman, her companion Grant Buckley, daughter Sandra Spannhake, son-in-law Fred Spannhake and brothers Lloyd Foster, Ken Foster and Ralph Foster. At the request of the family there will be no calling hours. The family will have a private memorial in the spring at Woodland Cemetery, Delhi. Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Heart of the Catskills Humane Society, 46610 New York 10, Delhi, NY 13753 Those who wish to share condolences or a special memory may do so on-line at www.macarthurfh.com. Arrangements are with the MacArthur Funeral Home of Delhi.