Yolanda Chavez Ahner

Yolanda Chavez Ahner, a beloved educator, mentor, and advocate, passed away peacefully at her home in Comfort, Texas. Originally from El Paso, Yolanda devoted her life to teaching, guiding, and empowering others, leaving behind a legacy of service, compassion, and wisdom.

A lifelong educator, Yolanda began her career as a public school teacher and vocational education instructor before taking on leadership roles in higher education. She earned her master's degree in Educational Administration and went on to serve as Dean of Student Services and later as Vice President at El Paso Community College, where she influenced countless students and colleagues with her dedication to learning and community. Following her retirement from the college, she became the Executive Director of Radford School, a private educational institution in El Paso. Later, she returned to higher education at Doña Ana Community College in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

After retiring for the third time, Yolanda and her husband Jim settled on a small ranch in Comfort, Texas, where she lived with her daughter, Sylvia Sitters. Even in retirement, she continued her work of nurturing and healing. While in Comfort, Yolanda helped her daughter establish the EquiSol Healing Center, a sanctuary for women who had endured trauma, sexual assault, and other life challenges, where they could reconnect with their strength through the companionship of rescued animals. In 2023, she also supported the founding of The Sacred 7 Animal Sanctuary, which hosts community gatherings and provides care for abused, abandoned, and orphaned animals.

Yolanda was preceded in death by her parents, Alvaro and Sara Chavez; her sister, Sylvia White; her husband, Jim Ahner; her brother-in-law Neal Maverick Weaver; and her granddaughter, Samantha Sitters Wagner.

She is survived by her daughter, Sylvia Sitters; her son, Joseph Sitters; her sister Ida Chavez Weaver; her nieces and nephews Neal and Jana Weaver; Michelle and Daniel Taylor; stepchildren Brenda and Jeff Weldon, JoAnn and Ruben Rios, and Jan and Ted Castillo; along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great nieces and nephews who will carry forward her spirit of love and learning.

Yolanda's life was a testament to the power of education, compassion, and resilience. She leaves behind a legacy of teaching others to pursue their dreams, to live with courage, and to honor the Land.

A private service for family will be held at the ranch in Comfort. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Sacred 7 Animal Sanctuary at www.sacred7.org

Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www.schaetter.com

Funeral arrangements under the direction of Schaetter Funeral Home