Yolanda, Yolo, Yoli, Yo, mom, daughter, sister, friend….

From Girl Scout horse camp as a young girl to “Girls trips to Vegas” with her ladies; to say that Yolanda was an amazing woman who collected friends everywhere she went would be an understatement.

 

Born as Yolanda Dawson, Yolanda was adopted and raised by her Grandma Doris Buckner and dad Joe Buckner. Yolanda spent her younger years in Vallejo, California, where the Buckners became close to David and Janice Horn and their daughter Erica. This connection between the Buckners and Horns launched a life-long sister-like friendship between Yolanda and Erica, spanning 37 years. While in Vallejo, Yolanda met her first boyfriend, Zion who would remain a life-long friend and eventually be her caregiver at the end of her life. During her junior high years, the Buckners relocated to Tehachapi, California. Yolanda transitioned from the Vallejo “city girl” to a Garth Brooks loving “country girl”, participating in FFA and volunteering at a local horse ranch helping children with disabilities. Even as a young woman, Yolanda always had an innate power to be kind and loving to all who were lucky enough to meet her.

 

In 1995, Yolanda became a first-time mom to her precious Michael, now 25. Seven years later, Yolanda would marry Lance O’Nesky; settling down in Bakersfield California where she and Lance welcomed their talented son Jordan, now age 17, and beautiful daughter Brooke, now age 13. Yolanda habitually poured her heart and soul into her children and cherished loved ones. She built a life full of love and compassion in service to Christ. While she enjoyed her earlier career in corrections, her positive and playful nature lent itself well to her more recently chosen field of working with children. Though eventually divorcing in 2019, Yolanda and Lance would remain connected through their shared love and adoration of their children.

 

In 2006, Yolanda met Rhonda and Jim Taylor, who would become more than friends. They became family supporting each other through many significant life changes. Most recently, Jim and Rhonda held vigil at Yolanda’s side during her last days, ensuring she knew how loved she was by so many. Over the past eight months, Yolanda fought a valiant battle against numerous health issues and impossible odds. She completed her journey through our world and peacefully passed into eternity on the morning of July 16, 2021.

 

Yolanda is survived by her three children – son, Michael Ahumada (and wife, Kristyn); son, Jordan O’Nesky; and daughter, Brooke O’Nesky. She was looking forward to the arrival of her first grandchild this fall.