Onie M Yovanovich

“Wherever a beautiful soul has been there is a trail of beautiful memories.”

Ona Mae (Knowles) Yovanovich passed away unexpectedly on February 12, 2025 surrounded by her loved ones.

Onie, as she was lovingly known, was a brilliant light to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Her life was lived with love, compassion, and an unwavering faith in God. Her passing has left an empty void in the hearts of her family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by her.

Onie was born December 9, 1950 in Akron to Arthur and Marcene Knowles. She was a 1969 graduate of East High School where she met her one and only true love Louis Yovanovich. Knowing that they completed each other, they were married soon after on December 24, 1970.

She dedicated her life to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They were her greatest joy. She loved being with each and every one of them, whether it be for picnics and swimming in the backyard, holiday gatherings, or just spending quality one on one time. One of her many gifts was her ability to make every person feel seen and valued, along with her commitment to the fight and search for a cure of Muscular Dystrophy, a neuromuscular disease. She and her husband raised over a quarter of a million dollars through various charitable events spanning over forty years.

She chose a career path that allowed her to work with special needs children and young adults. She drove for Akron Public Schools (APS) for over 35 years, was a teachers aide at Weaver School and Workshop, and was a one on one trainer with Goodwill Industries.

Onie is survived and deeply missed by her children Lou (Becky) Yovanovich, Daniel (Jennifer) Yovanovich, and Nicole (Ryan) Wise; 9 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and her siblings Sandi (Cliff) Arnold, Janet (Chuck) Shuman, Debbie (Dennis) Getz, Doug (Jill) Knowles and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents Arthur and Marcene Knowles, brother Duffy Knowles, and husband Louis Yovanovich.

Family and Friends may visit on Saturday MARCH 1st, 2025 from 12-2pm at Newcomer Funeral Home. (131 North Canton Rd, Akron) where a memorial service will be held at 2:00pm with Father Jeremy Merzweiler of St. Francis De Sales Church, officiating.

To share a memory of Onie or leave a special message for her family, visit the guest book below.