Idamae Yokley

Idamae Yokley, age 96, of Omaha, Nebraska, formerly of Genoa, passed away on January 22, 2026, at the Josie Harper Hospice House.

A public viewing/visitation will be held at McKown Funeral Home, 726 Willard Ave., Genoa, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 25, 2026. A private family service will be held at the Mortuary prior to interment at Valley View Cemetery in Genoa. A Celebration of Idamae’s Life will be held in Omaha at a later date.

Idamae was born on May 6, 1929, in Hornick, Iowa, to James Dorward “Scotty” and Eilene (Cook) Raitt. She attended elementary school at the Big Cut one-room schoolhouse in rural St. Edward and graduated from Genoa High School in 1947.

In July 1949, Idamae was united in marriage to Walter Dean “Walt” Yokley of Genoa. Their family grew to include sons Mike (Kathy) of Arlington, TX and Tim (Mary), Wahoo, NE and daughters Lou (Scott) Gilmore and Suzi (Miles) Busby of Omaha, NE. Walt and Idamae also experienced the loss of a son, Patrick, in 1952.

Idamae was a devoted stay-at-home mother for many years while also working as a bookkeeper for the West End Service Station, owned by her parents and brother. Her other careers included paraprofessional at Head Start in Albion and receptionist at the Kansas-Nebraska Gas Company. However, Idamae’s greatest success was her role as a mother, grandmother (“Gram”), aunt, and friend.

Idamae loved hosting “back-door” guests and spending time visiting with friends and family on the front porch swing. The coffee was always on, and she made time for everyone. Her children fondly remember Sunday dinners that always included extra guests. She was famous for her hugs, her readiness with Band-Aids, and even pulling teeth for neighborhood kids. She served as a private driver’s education instructor for her children and local grandchildren, ensuring everyone learned to drive a manual transmission. Idamae was a member of the United Methodist Church and a founding member of the Genoa Alumni Foundation Scholarship. After moving to Omaha following Walt’s passing, she became well known for keeping in touch with her “fan club” via cell phone.

Idamae was preceded in death by her parents, Scotty (1972) and Eilene (1992); her husband, Walt (2003); her son, Patrick (1952); her sisters, Bondene Westring, Darlene Wright-Wagnon, and Ardyth Harding; and her brother, Jim Raitt.

She is survived by her children Mike, Tim, Lou, and Suzi, and their spouses; grandchildren Aaron (Amy), Jesse (Alejandra), Katie, Daisy, and Cole (Shawna) Yokley; Linsey (Nick) Sousek; Brooklyn and Walton Busby; great-grandchildren Ava, Tatum, Shawn, Mikey, Ryan, Noah, and Brecken; step great-grandchildren Emma Reimer; Alexis, Naomi, and Jaime Lopez; Joe Anna Jones; Austyn Entzminger; Anisa Yokley; and Traedyn Horn; and step great-great-grandchildren Jaimito Lopez; Clara and Quentin Jones; and Nora Delves.

Memorials are suggested to The Hope Center for Kids, 2200 N. 20th St., Omaha, NE 68010. Please note in Memory of Idamae Yokley. Cards may be directed to individual family members or to the Gilmore address at 7529 N. 130th St., Omaha, NE 68142.