Mrs. Yvette Kareen Wright, 85, of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 11:36 p.m. Friday, October 2, 2026, at her home surrounded by the love of her family.
Yvette was born August 25, 1941, at home in Herman, Illinois, the daughter of Ora E. and Mabel C. (Gillespie) Reuter. She graduated from Avon High School in 1959 and later attended Galesburg Beauty School. It was there that she began preparing for a career that would become such an important part of her life. On September 23, 1961, Yvette married the love of her life, Gerald Wright, in Moline, Illinois. Their marriage was blessed with 65 years together, creating a lifetime of memories, family traditions, adventures, and love.
Yvette was a woman who had a wonderful way of making people feel comfortable and welcome. For 62 years, she owned and operated her own beauty salon from her home. Being a beautician was much more than a job for Yvette. Her salon became a place where people came not only to have their hair done, but also to visit, share stories, catch up on life, and enjoy Yvette’s company. Through the years, many of her clients became lifelong friends, and she treasured the relationships she built through her work.
When she wasn’t working in her salon, Yvette could often be found doing something she loved. She had a special talent for baking and was especially known for her homemade angel food cakes and lemon delights. Her baking brought joy to her family and friends, and those who were lucky enough to enjoy one of her creations knew that Yvette had a way of putting a little extra love into everything she made.
Yvette also enjoyed spending time with friends at M & M Ceramics, where she attended ceramic classes and enjoyed the creativity and fellowship that came with them. She loved a good evening of country line dancing and enjoyed the laughter and camaraderie that came from spending time with friends.
Yvette and Gerald also enjoyed their winters in Texas, spending them there from 2005 until this past winter. Their time in Texas gave them the opportunity to escape the cold Illinois winters while making memories together and enjoying another chapter of their life as husband and wife.
Her faith was an important part of Yvette’s life, and she was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene. She cherished her church family and the role her faith played throughout her life.
Above all, Yvette was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Nothing brought her greater joy than being surrounded by her family and always had a house full of kids. She especially loved watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow and was always proud of their accomplishments. She treasured family gatherings, conversations, celebrations, and the simple everyday moments that brought everyone together. Her family will remember her not only for the things she did for them, but for the love and warmth she brought into their lives.
Yvette leaves behind a lifetime of love and memories that will continue through the many people who were fortunate enough to know her.
Yvette is survived by her husband of 65 years, Gerald; her two sons, Jeff (Sandy) Wright of Fort Worth, Texas, and Rodney Wright of Macomb, Illinois; her daughter, Ketra (Kurt) Stewart of Galesburg; her two sisters, Cheryl (the late Robert) Wright of Galesburg and Joann Presley of Corpus Christi, Texas; six grandchildren, Jeff (Jen) Wright, Jacob (Sheila) Wright, Justin (Jessica) Wright, and Brittney Wright, all of Texas, and Kylie (David) Larson of Woodhull, Illinois, and Kyce (Susanna) Stewart of Galesburg; thirteen great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Ordeth German and Marcena Austin; and her brothers, Roger Reuter and Eddie Delwyn Reuter.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 9, 2026, at the First Church of the Nazarene, with Rev. Jade Rogers officiating. Burial will be at 2:00 pm in the Fairview Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Church of the Nazarene or VFW #2257.
Online condolences may be offered at www.h-p-w.com.
