Yvonne Marie Battin Drues' Obituary
Yvonne Marie Battin Drues died peacefully December 30th at her University Place, Washington home of 60 years at the age of 91. Yvonne is survived by son, Randal; and daughter, Sarah. Yvonne is preceded in death by parents; Charles T. Battin & Sarah Ruth Batey Battin, husband; Richard Lionel Drues and son; Charles Lionel Drues. Yvonne was born on June 20th, 1928 in Tacoma, Washington. Yvonne’s education was extensive: She graduated in 1946, Valedictorian of Stadium High. Attended a semester at San Francisco State University: Universidad de Guadalajara. Graduated from College of Puget Sound, where, in her first year, she won the Women’s National Oratory Championship and was elected to the position of highest honor granted by Pi Kappa Delta, the National Forensic Honorary, with more forensic trophies than any other woman in the Western United States.. A Masters degree was earned at Fletcher/Tufts School of Law and Diplomacy in Massachusetts. She was employed by World Affairs Council of Boston before returning to Tacoma and Correspondent work for the Tacoma Times and as a reporter for the Tacoma New Tribune. Later, she spent time teaching at Wakefield Jr. High, Stadium High School and Ft. Steilacoom/Pierce Community College before marriage and children. Yvonne made fast friends with many walks of people, age never mattered. She did her best to make everyone comfortable and find common ground. Many of her childrens’ friends called her Mom. It was hard to not love her. She grew up on Puget Sound spending time boating, camping and enjoying nature; fascinated with all aspects of nature. It was common for her children to find bugs in jars on the kitchen table, waiting for identification. She had a thirst for knowledge and never stopped learning. Yvonne was a woman of many interests, capable of knowledgeable conversation on just about any subject, with a kindness to friends and strangers. Yvonne will be missed by all that knew her. There will be a Celebration of Life at Kilworth Chapel 2 p.m. January 26th, 2020. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Yvonne’s life.
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