Yolanda Jean Apodaca earned her wings March 30, 2026, after a short illness. She was born September 18, 1951, in Silver City, New Mexico to Elsie and Tommy Apodaca. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, and both sets of grandparents.

Jean spent her younger and adult life living in Derry, New Mexico in her childhood home. She went to elementary school in Garfield, New Mexico and high school in Hatch, New Mexico. She attended Bryman Dental School in El Paso, Texas and the University of Phoenix in El Paso, Texas. She worked as a dental assistant, she worked at the elementary level as a substitute teacher and worked as a secretary for various companies, amongst other jobs.

She is survived by her sister, Gilda Apodaca-Cerny and brother-in-law Michael Cerny as well as many cousins and friends.

Jean loved her church and her bible study group. She was very devoted to her religion.

She loved to do crafts, sew, garden, work in her yard and best of all she loved her dogs (her babies). There wasn’t a dog she didn’t love or wanted to adopt.

She had a heart of gold and would give you the shirt off her back. She was very giving and very deeply devoted to her family and friends. She will be deeply missed. Forever in our hearts and never forgotten.