Yvonne Courtney, 95, of Lubbock, Texas, was born August 2, 1926 in Kimberly, British Columbia, Canada to Ernest Anderson and Fern Mitchell-Anderson. Yvonne grew up in Breton, Alberta before moving to Calgary. She then attended Prairie Bible Institute where she studied to become a missionary. After college she was part of a well known Christian radio program that aired throughout Western Canada. They not only sang on the air but toured to surrounding areas and spread the gospel through their music ministry. She felt called to foreign missions and God directed her to Japan. In Japan she met Richard L. Courtney of Forrest City, Arkansas who was in the Navy. She married the love of her life in 1954 one year after having met. They came back to the United States so he could complete Bible College. They returned to post war Japan ministering to the people who had a great desire to learn the English language. Dick and Yvonne took advantage of this opportunity to use the Bible as a teaching tool. They were among the very first using the Bible to teach English in universities. Japanese students and adults were introduced to the Word in this fashion.

In 1971 God called them to South Texas then on to El Paso where they continued their ministry efforts now working with the people of Mexico. While serving in Mexico they were involved in establishing several churches. They also flew on medical missions to remote mountain villages and tribes over the next 20 years. Hundreds of underserved people in small villages were helped both physically and spiritually. People from all over the United States contributed by donating their time and energy.

Yvonne went to be with the Lord, Sunday, January 30, 2022. Richard went to be with the Lord 5 years before Yvonne after 63 years of marriage. Her parents and three younger brothers also preceded her in death. Yvonne leaves behind her four children: Rick Courtney of Lubbock, Vaughn Courtney and wife Ellen of Blanchard, Oklahoma, Ronnie Courtney and wife Sue of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and Cindy Everett and husband Eric of Wolfforth, eight grandchildren: Colette, Michael, Caroline, Spence, Richard, Courtney, Veronica and Landon, and four great grandchildren: Cade, Claire, Chloe and Cam. She has countless friends in Lubbock and around the world who cherish her memory.

A private graveside service will be under the care of Wilsons' Funeral Directors of Wolfforth. Memorial services. Her memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 5, 2022 at Melonie Park Church, 6602 Indiana Ave in Lubbock with Pastor Todd Cepica officiating. The service will be live streamed Melonie Park Church, 6602 Indiana Ave in Lubbock with Pastor Todd Cepica officiating. The service will be live streamed on the link below.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorials be sent to "Missions" at Melonie Park Church or Wycliff Bible Translators.

https://youtu.be/-koUJnQA4B0