Yvonne Marie Polkow

Yvonne Marie Polkow (Spies) passed away peacefully on March 28, 2024, at home in Vancouver, Washington at the age of 78. She was born on June 16,1945 in Portland, Oregon to Dr. William and Yvonne Spies. Yvonne was a caring and compassionate individual who was well-loved by all who knew her. She cherished spending time with her family and friends, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. Yvonne had a special love for working with children as well as being a ballet dancer which started at a very early age and continued dancing through high school. She continued her love of ballet by instructing youngsters and teaching them ballet basics. She also loved the outdoors and had a special fondness for flowers, especially blue irises. Yvonne spent time in Europe as an infant and young girl while her father was a Doctor in the Army during World War II. Her growing up years were spent in Spokane and Seattle, Washington and Cottage Grove, Oregon. She graduated from Cottage Grove High School in 1963 and aspired to become a teacher and attended Southern Oregon School of Education. Yvonne continued to bless others into her adulthood in all aspects of her work life and while raising her family, living in Oregon and Washington. She also co-owned several successful businesses, including Pacific Safety Supply, CPG Guardianships and Elfin Services. Elfin was born from her and her husband Steve's hearts to advocate and support people as they aged or found themselves in need for help. They were passionate about providing sincere and exemplary elder care and advocacy. Yvonne's career life was always centered around finding ways to help others. One of the things Yvonne treasured most was being a Grammy! She loved spending time with her grandkids and always had a treat or surprise to share. Yvonne loved others unconditionally. Her warm smile and enormous heart were immediately felt by all. She had an innate way of anticipating what others needed and conveying her love through action. Yvonne is survived by her loving husband, Steven W. Polkow, her children Robert William Ballard (Erica) and Yvonne Michelle Heater (Tim), stepchildren Sonora Greer-Polkow and Ferron Greer-Polkow (Lilly), siblings William Spies (Cherie), Kris Prime (Barry), Cheri Spies, Patsy Spies, David Spies (Debbie), Jon Spies, as well as grandchildren Garrhet, Avery, Lexi, Tyler, Ryan, Kyle and Freya along with a great-grandson Louden. She was preceded in death by her parents, Yvonne Elizabeth and William Edward Spies. A service and reception to honor Yvonne's life will be held at 11:00 am on April 10th at Saint Joseph's Catholic Church in Vancouver, Washington. Internment at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in the Garden of Peace at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Yvonne's memory can be made to Vancouver/Clark County CASA.

Yvonne Marie Polkow

June 16, 1945 - March 28, 2024