Yvonne Kay Murken

Yvonne Kay Murken, 86, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on June 27, 2026, at The Jewish Life Center.

Yvonne was born on March 19, 1940, in New Market, Iowa, to Donald and Verena (Willey) Webb. She attended some college classes to become a medical coder/ transcriptionist and later found great fulfillment serving others as a Senior Companion. During her seven years with Senior Companions, Yvonne touched many lives with her caring heart, willingness to serve, compassion, and gift for friendship.

On October 21, 1967, Yvonne married Kenneth Murken. They shared many years together before divorcing in the early 80s.

Yvonne had a warm and welcoming personality that made it easy for her to make new friends wherever she went. She treasured building friendships and found joy in spending time with the people she loved. She enjoyed dancing, reading, going to the movies, listening to her favorite old songs, and trying her luck at Prairie Meadows. Her vibrant spirit and welcoming nature left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Family was at the center of Yvonne's life. She enjoyed time spent with them.

Yvonne is survived by her children, Lori O'Brien, Jay Murken, Christi Murken Lyle, and Brian Murken; her siblings, Linda Lemley, Ron Webb, Randi McCloughlin, Lucille Underwood, and Sondra Craft, her grandchildren, Matt Schlabach, Jessica Cook, Thomas O'Brien, Josh Lyle, Justin Lyle, Amber Lyle, and Zoe Murken; and her great-grandchildren, Luci Cadena, Wesley Cook, Benjamin Cook, Theo Cook, Noah Schlabach, Annabelle Schlabach, Samuel Schlabach, Gabriel Schlabach, and Lily Schlabach.

She was preceded in death by her ex-husband, Kenneth Murken; her parents; and her grandson, Daniel Schlabach.

Yvonne will be remembered for her friendly spirit, compassionate heart, friendships, and the love she shared so generously with her family and everyone whose lives she touched.

Interment will take place at Resthaven Cemetery.

Services will be announced at a later date.