Yvonne M. (Smith) Saltsgiver

Yvonne M. (Smith) Saltsgiver, 84, of South Bend passed away on Tuesday December 16, 2025, at her residence at Holycross.

Yvonne was born on September 30, 1941, in Mishawaka to the late John and Minnie (Klein) Smith.

A nurse by trade, Yvonne graduated from High School and College with a degree as an RN.  She spent her career caring for others at Memorial Hospital, Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, TX, and later at Holy Cross before retiring in 2002 after an impressive 40-year career.

Yvonne is survived by her daughter, Christina (Frank) Perez, as well as her grandchildren; Alan, Nicole, Lilah, Evelyn, Sam, and Nolan and her great grandchildren; Benjamin and Jordan.  Also surviving is her sister, Mary Lou Sharp.

Yvonne was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Kimberly Ann Layton, and her sister, Beverly Weller.

In keeping with her wishes, no services are planned at this time. The family plans to host a celebration of life in her honor in the spring of 2026. The family will provide more information on the celebration of life as soon as possible. 

Yvonne is dearly missed by all. She was an intelligent woman with a heart of gold. She always made it a point to be helpful to all she came across. She was always on your team. Yvonne supported anyone doing anything. “She was our biggest cheerleader” - Nicole Layton (Granddaughter). She was a thoughtful person. She always made sure to remember what you liked, always took care of you when you weren’t feeling well, she was an amazing confidant, and never forgot your birthday. Yvonne was also an amazing cook, from her homemade meatballs to her famous banana bread. In honor of Yvonne the family encourages you to bake your favorite family recipes together, hold whomever you love close ,and say the things you’ve always wanted to say. We miss you Mom, Grandma, Niece, Aunt, Cousin, Sister, and friend to all. You will always be in our heart, mind, and soul. 

Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel is honored to be caring for the family at this time.

Online condolences to the family may be sent via the Palmer Funeral homes website at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.