Sandra Jo

Yarnell

Sandra Jo Yarnell, 89, a resident of Birmingham, passed away Monday, November 9, 2026, at Jefferson County Health Center in Fairfield.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Birmingham Community Church in Birmingham, with Pastor Phil Ross officiating. Private burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Birmingham. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for the purchase of a memorial bench at Birmingham City Park and sent to P.O. Box 44, Birmingham, Iowa 52535. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is caring for Sandra and her family.

Sandra was born September 13, 1937, in Iowa, the daughter of John and Nora (Meeker) Fritts. She married Gary Yarnell on March 4, 1955. He preceded her in death on December 21, 1983.

Sandra faithfully served the Birmingham community as city clerk for 20 years. She enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, especially sitting on her front porch watching the activity at the park across the street. Above all, Sandra treasured time spent with her family and the many memories they made together.

Some of her favorite times were spent at the family cabin along the Des Moines River near Austin Park in Pittsburg. Sandra made sure her boys knew their way around the kitchen, lovingly joking that her husband, Gary, "couldn't fry an egg." She also fondly recalled a memorable girls' trip to England. Sandra had a special fondness for Golden Oreo cookies and always made sure she had plenty on hand.

Those left to honor her memory include her son, Gregg (Kathy) Yarnell of Birmingham; daughter-in-law, Tammy Yarnell of Ottumwa; grandchildren, Abbey Yarnell, Kolby Yardley, Barry Yarnell, Kelly Scovel, and Shaylie Comstock; twelve great-grandchildren; and sisters, Kay Davis of Hawaii and Mona Stites of Arizona.

In addition to her husband, Gary, she was preceded in death by her parents; son, Kent; daughter, Dee Ann; sister, Barb; and brother, John Jr.