Yolanda Moreno Miranda

Yolanda Moreno Miranda, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away surrounded by love at her home in Richfield, UT, on September 15, 2025. She was born on May 2, 1943, in Delano, CA, to Guillermo Miranda and Consuelo Moreno.

Yolanda lived a vibrant and spirited life, marked by creativity, compassion, and resilience. She was strong, independent, and never afraid to speak her mind. Opinionated and fiery, she carried a temper when it came to injustice — but that same strength fueled her lifelong fight for equality. She did things her way and never backed down from a good argument, especially when defending the poor, the marginalized, and the voiceless.

She graduated from Palo Verde High School in 1961 and went on to make her home in many places, including communities across California, Oregon, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. Wherever she lived, she brought warmth, art, food, and laughter.

A woman of many passions, Yolanda loved to dance, draw, paint, cook, read, and watch movies. But her greatest passion was organizing. She stood shoulder to shoulder with farmworkers, tenants, and women fighting for their rights. Mentored by César Chávez and inspired by pioneering women organizers, Yolanda dedicated her life to justice for those without a voice. As described in Portrait of an Organizer by her lifelong friend Jim Smith, Yolanda was a fearless leader, lifting people up and giving them the courage to demand dignity and equality, often at great personal sacrifice. Her lifelong friends and caregivers, Jim Smith and Karl Abrams, were her steadfast companions, supporting her through the later years of her life with love, laughter, and loyalty.

She believed strongly in the Catholic faith and often proudly proclaimed, “I am Catholic.”

She is survived by her children: Stephen (Olivia) Banke of Ontario, CA; Paul Banke of Pasadena, CA; Tim (Doni) Munz of Richfield, UT; and Rebecca (Tim) Gillespie of Hesperia, CA. She is also survived by her sisters: Hilda Miranda of Phoenix, AZ; Olympia “Kris” Cosme of Highland, CA; and Corina “Cory” Stearns of Russell Springs, KY. Yolanda leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, all of whom were touched by her love and spirit. Yolanda loved each and every member of her family, including all 48 of her nieces and nephews, and was a devoted presence in their lives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Guillermo and Consuelo Miranda; her brothers Billy, Ruben, Gilbert, Hector, and Billy Oscar; her sisters Alice Caraveo, Rebecca Gonzalez, and Olga Wren; her grandson Bobby Jay Banke; her brother-in-law Darrell Stearns; and her loyal dog companion, Joey.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Brett Seely and the staff of Zion Way Hospice. They took such good care of Yolanda and loved her as if she were their own mother. Dakota, Kassidy, Elizabeth, Jami, Dan, Melanie, and the rest of the staff went above and beyond in their compassion and care, and the family is forever grateful.

In her final days, Yolanda found joy and peace sitting on the front porch, watching the hummingbirds. It was a simple but beautiful routine that brought her comfort. Yolanda was truly loved and will never be forgotten. Her character, her heart, her perseverance, and her courage live on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and all who knew her. Her family will carry her memory forward, standing tall as she did, never silent in the face of injustice — just as she wanted.

A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.