Dawn Yvette Yerton

Dawn Yvette Yerton

”I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” II Timothy 4:7

Dawn Yvette Yerton born December 29, 1958 in Arcata, California went home to be with the Lord on October 4, 2009, surrounded by family and friends in Bald Hill, Hoopa. Dawn is survived by her mother, Janice Yerton of Hoopa and her father, Phillip Yerton of Hoopa, and her sister Sara Yerton of Hoopa. She is also survived by her aunt, Betty Pilgrim, her uncle Richard Yerton, her grandmother Ruth Yerton, and her great uncle William Beaver, and numerous cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Kim Yerton, her grandmother, Bessie Latham, grandfathers, Wesley Latham and Homer Yerton, her uncles Lawrence and Lester Latham.

She always had a special connection with her cousins and they were an important part of her life. She always made plans to share special days with her many cousins, both young and old. Whether it be birthday, Christmas, or another special day, Dawn’s warm wishes and thoughtful expressions could always make the day even better, warmer, kinder.

A resident of Hoopa and a member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe, Dawn graduated from Hoopa Valley High School where she ran track. Dawn received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Humboldt State University. She continued a lifelong love of reading and worked for her Tribe for a time. Never one to let something hinder her, she utilized her computer skills to continue her exploration of the world through the internet.

At home, she was always planting and pruning in her garden. The plants under her care flourished and her garden always yielded something good. As many know, Dawn was never far from either her yarn or her knitting needles. Many in the Valley have received her special gift of a hand-crafted item. The yarn, colors, and pattern were carefully selected for each individual and are treasured by those receiving them. Music was another of Dawn’s passions. She enjoyed playing and singing in programs and at special occasions.

Dawn had strong faith and it looked after her throughout her whole life. Her experiences, and the lessons learned from them, gave her trust in the Lord and the people He chose to place around her. People who knew her cherished her and understood how loving and kind she was.

She kept a special place in her heart for her beloved animals. As much as she loved people, she also loved her cats and dogs, and her family of skunks, too. She treasured them and the time she spent with them. Many rushed return trips to Hoopa were so that the animals on the Hill could get fed ... a labor out of love.

She glowed with her warmth through her smile and her quick laugh. Dawn was one of those people who never seemed out of place anywhere. She knew who she was and had a quiet confidence which bolstered those around her. Lifting those around her through encouragement and unconditional love is how she will be remembered.

A special thank you goes to cousins Sherry Latham and Rhonda Tamerius-Villalvazo for their tireless care and devotion when Dawn returned home.

A visitation will take place Friday, October 9th, 11AM to 3PM at the Chapel of the Ferns, 1835 E - Street in Eureka. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 10th at 11AM at the Neighborhood Facilities in Hoopa. A gathering at the Hoopa High School cafeteria will follow the services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to your favorite charity. Pall bearers are Wesley Latham, Ramiro Ramirez, Kevin Latham Jr., TR Maloney, Antonio Martinez, and Kyle Smith. Honorary pall bearers are Kevin Latham Sr., Warren Tamerius, Lester Latham Jr., Marshall Maloney, Billy Maloney, Lincoln Jackson, George Moon, Jim Mauder, Richard Yerton, Dutch Yerton, Rob Roy Latham, Daschle Yerton, Phillip Tripp, and Timothy Maloney Sr.

Please sign the guestbook online at www.times-standard.com, click on obituaries.