Yolanda B. Fernandez, former first lady of Val Verde County, passed on to be with the Lord early Tuesday morning, March 5, 2024. She was the wife of former Val Verde County Judge Mike L. Fernandez. She was the daughter of Jesusita “Chacha” and Justo Bejarano.
Yolanda is survived by her husband of 65 years, Judge Mike L. Fernandez, sons Michael Fernandez (Angela) and Mark Anthony Fernandez (Ana); daughters Isabella “Bella” Fernandez, Yolanda Michelle Ramirez, Yvonne Denise Villanueva, Lydia Dziadul (Mark); and granddaughter who was raised as their daughter, Sabrina Fernandez; and brothers Ruben Bejarano (Gloria†) and Robert Bejarano (Yolanda) of California, and Edward “Walo” Bejarano (Esperanza) and Richard Bejarano (Rosie) of Del Rio. Yolanda is also survived by 13 grandchildren, Rick Ramirez, Gabriella Michelle Kasberg (Ryan), Rita C. Herrera (Rolando), Mia Nicole Fernandez, Michael Fernandez, Jr. (Karla), Frank Villanueva, III, Zoé Michele Villanueva, Marquise Dziadul, Mark Benjamin Dziadul, Christopher Rey Salinas, Cailan Raidon Salinas, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Jr., Kayli Clarissa Dziadul. Five great-grandchildren, Amari Ryan Kasberg, Brandon Celedon, Taylor Polanco, Rolando Herrera, III, and Ryan Herrera, plus numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.
Yolanda was a retired librarian assistant for the SFDRCISD. She was a member of the Retired Teachers’ Association of Texas a Member of St. Joseph Parish & Church, Contributor to St. Jude Hospital. A contributor and member of the Oblate Fathers, Lady of Lourdes Grotto, San Antonio, Texas; contributor and member of the Virgin of San Juan De Los Lagos, McAllen, Texas. Yolanda was also a member and former queen of the Alba Social Club. Member of the UCO Auxiliary Women’s Organization.
Our mother never met a stranger. She was a well-known, beloved member of the community. Our mom was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. There are very few things in this world you can count on 100%, but our mother was one of those things. Her love was very powerful. There is nothing in the world greater than a mother’s love. She gave us the greatest gift we could ask for…she taught us how to be a loving parent. Always a shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen or a warm hug…she was always there.
Yolanda is in the best of hands now; she is with the Lord. God bless her. Que te vaya bonito – until we meet again.
Pallbearers:
Rick Ramirez, Michael Fernandez, Jr., Frank Villanueva, III, Mark Benjamin Dziadul, Jr., Christopher Rey Salinas, Cailan Raidon Salinas, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Jr., and Brandon Celedon.
Honorary Pallbearers:
Bob Clubb, Hector Fernandez, James Fernandez, Ralph Fernandez, Donald Fernandez, Julian Fernandez, Enrique Fernandez, Robert Fernandez, Arturo Fernandez, Deacon Manuel Limones, Joseph Delarosa, Eddie Delarosa, Jesse Fernandez, Jr.†, Francisco Castillo, and late brother Reginaldo Bejarano†.
