Yolanda Marie Kahler—"Lonnie" to her many friends and loved ones—passed away the afternoon of April 24th, surrounded by family. Lonnie, age 81, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma.

She is survived by her son, Jason, her daughter, Wendy, her five grandchildren, Zachary, Jacob, Gabrielle, Nicholas, and Sarah, her sister and brothers-in-law, Evelyn and David Woodfin and Lawrence Promer, and numerous nieces, nephews, and others who were blessed to know her. Lonnie was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Harvey.

Lonnie wore many hats during her extraordinary life: Detroit police officer, social worker, Sunday school teacher, elementary school lunch aide, Girl Scout leader, small business owner, BINGO Hall worker, and more. She was most proud of her two favorite roles: World's Best Mother and Even Greater Grandmother. She loved watching her children perform in school, music, and sports, and continued to cheer enthusiastically as she watched her grandchildren continue to make her proud.

She was the definition of selfless. She made her home a place of unconditional love where all were welcome and anyone could find a seat at the dinner table. Strong, smart, and brave, everyone who met her said "Lonnie is the sweetest lady on Earth," and they were right.

A short service is planned for 11:00 am, April 29th, at White Chapel Cemetery. All who loved Lonnie are welcome. A larger, joyous celebration of a life well lived will be announced in the coming days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials and tributes take the form of donations to Alice's Kids (https://www.aliceskids.org/).