Yvonne Deschamps Barrus passed away peacefully on May 6, 2022, knowing she was loved and adored by her children, and grandchildren. Yvonne is survived by her children Clair Von Barrus (Helen), Yvette Pamela Barrus Zobell (Wade), and Sheila Lee Barrus Green (Geoffrey), 10 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren, a brother, Lyle Marne Deschamps, and a sister, Paula Ann Morby. Yvonne was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Franklin Barrus, daughter Tracy Ann Barrus, and second husband Edward Murray Barrus.

Yvonne had a marked fondness for her childhood home and birthplace in Malad, Idaho. Raised in the small community of St. John, she often spoke of her memories there including her brother Francis, Old Dan the loyal horse, Old Spike her cherished dog, and many other memories. Some of Yvonne’s last words expressed her desire to go “home” to St. John.
Her beloved late parents are Francis Mitchell Deschamps and Annie Lysle Lusk Deschamps. Her deceased brothers are Francis John Deschamps and Larry Lee Deschamps.

As a child, Yvonne had an unusual talent for flexibility and dancing. This talent culminated in a performance of acrobatic dancing on the top floor (Garden Roof) of the exclusive Hotel Utah, a great honor in the 1930s! Dancing would remain an absolute joy throughout Yvonne’s life. Her grace and beauty amazed us all as she continued to dance into her nineties at parties and family gatherings. She even Jitterbugged with her feet while sitting in her chair!

Slender and petite with perfect posture, her hair always fixed, Yvonne was a beautiful, elegant, put-together woman. Yvonne enjoyed a career in nursing. She attended nursing school in Ogden, Utah, and practiced nursing in Malad, Idaho, Dallas, TX, Sandiego, CA, and Idaho Falls, ID. An impeccably organized and efficient individual, Yvonne’s talents manifested themselves in the nursing arena, in the way she organized her home, the wonderful parties she put on, and her beautiful family history books. She gave lifelong service through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and her local community. Some of the highlights of Yvonne’s church and community service include receiving the Nursing Home Volunteer Award and Tri-Centennial Commission Award and serving as the president of the Kidney Dialysis Association and LDS Regional Special Interest Dance Chairman. Yvonne and her husband Ed also served an LDS mission in Jacksonville, Florida from 1992-93.

In 1957 Yvonne married Clarence Barrus, a rugged, well-worn man who loved the mountains. He owned and worked at the Rainbow Cafe. They raised their family in Idaho Falls, Idaho. When Clarence passed away in 1972, Yvonne rose to the challenge of being a single mother with four young children. In 1975 Yvonne successfully donated her kidney to her daughter Tracy in a kidney transplant surgery that was a feat in its time! Yvonne’s strength, courage, and penchant for structure and routine provided a sense of security for her family. Her children will ever be influenced by the integrity, beauty, grit, and grace of their dear mother.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon, Saturday May 14, 2022 at Premier Funeral Services, 67 East 8000 South, Midvale, Utah with a viewing to begin at 11:00 am. Graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm, Monday May 16, 2022 at Rose Hill Cemetery (west end), 2355 Rollandet Street, Idaho Falls, Idaho.