Yolande Kay Gustafson

Yolande Kay Gustafson, 81, of Waco, TX, passed away Saturday, January 10, 2026. She was surrounded by her loving husband and family. Family and friends will gather for visitation Friday, January 23, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, 6101 Bosque Blvd., in Waco, TX. A funeral service celebrating Yolande’s loving spirit and artistic abilities will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Burial will follow at St. Olaf Kirke Old Rock Church Cemetery, 2680 County Road 4145, Cranfills Gap, TX. Pallbearers will be her sons Randahl Gustafson, Leo Gustafson, Lynn Gustafson and Christopher Sproles along with her grandsons Gabriel Gustafson and Maxmilion Gustafson.

As a native Texan, Yolande was born January 13, 1944, in Huntsville to the late James Washburn Howard III and Lulu Jacqueline Remy Crook. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, known for her warm hospitality and the beautiful things she made with her own two hands. Yolande learned how to sew at a young age and over the years she stitched together not just fabric, but lasting memories for her family and friends. As a seamstress, Yolande sewed her loving touch into every piece she crafted, with her most prized creation being her own wedding dress, which she wore when she married the love of her life, Wendell Joe Gustafson, on January 11, 1963. She worked for many years as a seamstress and upholsterer. Yolande continued to serve others with her artistic talent by working for Waco ISD as a Sign Language Interpreter. The communication and care she provided to students and those around her with American Sign Language will long be remembered.

Yolande was preceded in death by her parents and one grandson, Alexander Michael Gustafson.

Yolande leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, and service to others, for her loved ones, especially her husband of 62 years, Wendell Gustafson. She also leaves behind her love and legacy to her brother, Brad Crook and his wife, Linda; her sons, Randahl Gustafson and his wife, Tori; Leo Gustafson and his wife, Katie; Lynn Gustafson and his wife, Michelle; and Christopher Sproles and his wife, Leesha. Yolande is also survived by her adoring grandchildren, Lea Gustafson, Alyssa Gustafson, Elizabeth Gustafson, Gabriel Gustafson, Alexandra Gustafson, Magdalina Gustafson, Maxmilion Gustafson, Christopher Sproles, Jr., David Sproles, Janika Sproles, John Crawson, and James Crawson; along with other loving family members and friends.

The Gustafson family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Baylor Scott and White Hospice and AVIR at Waco for all their loving care of Yolande.

Yolande’s family invites you to share a message or memories in her "Memorial Guestbook" online at www.WHBfamily.com.