Marian "Joan" Yoest, 92, formerly of Sharon, passed away Friday evening, June 6, 2025, in Quality Life Services, Mercer.

Mrs. Yoest was born on October 18, 1932, in Sharon, a daughter of the late Frank and Clara (Knapp) Wilds. She attended the former St. Joseph's Parochial Grade School and was a 1950 graduate of Sharon High School. Shortly after high school, Joan was honored to play Marie and sing in Pat Barnes' stage play, "A Buck on Leave."

On December 29, 1951, Joan married Donald J. Yoest, who passed away on June 24, 2014.

Throughout her life, she worked for Protected Home Circle Insurance, a secretary for many local physicians, a notary public and as a writer and publisher.

A creative person, she always loved a challenge and was open to more efficient ways of doing things. Joan enjoyed working on ceramics, word processing on the computer and crocheting blankets for gifts. She also found joy in singing, camping/boating, and traveling.

Joan was a member of the Church of Notre Dame, Hermitage. A devout Catholic, she taught CCD classes for over 35 years.

She is survived by three sons, Donald (Mary) Yoest, of Hermitage, Michael (MaryAnn) Yoest, of Warren, OH, and Richard (Carol) Yoest, of North East, PA; a daughter, Gloria (Raymond) Mackaly, of Hermitage; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, Joan was preceded in death by a daughter, Paula Yoest; a son, infant Daniel Yoest; and six siblings, infant Raymond, and Paul and Robert Wilds, Rita Steen, Delores Sincich, and Mary Ellen Riddle.
She was a resident of Quality Life Services in Mercer for the past two and a half years and was a 2024 life history contestant for "Don't Stop Dreamin." Joan's family is deeply appreciative of QLS staff for her care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Three Rivers Hospice of Pittsburgh, 300 Oxford Dr., Monroeville, PA 15146; or Don't Stop Dreamin, C/O Quality Life Services, 8221 Lamor Rd., Mercer, PA 16137.

A private service will be held in the Chapel of St. Rose Cemetery.

Interment: St. Rose Cemetery, Hermitage.