In sadness, we share the news that Pastor Nina Yardley, a retired local pastor in the Desert Southwest Conference, died on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024.
Nina is survived by her loving spouse Greg, their children and a multitude of lives she touched throughout her remarkable journey. She is remembered for her resilience and the capacity to love deeply.
Pastor Nina was a devoted wife, mother and servant of her community. She is remembered for her unwavering faith, commitment to helping others and her boundless love for her family.
Nina’s professional journey began in August of 1969 when she joined the Armed Forces Cooperative Insurance Association in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where she excelled at accounting and bookkeeping. In October of 1970, she married Greg Yardley and relocated to Topeka. She continued her career at Volume Shoe Corporation, transitioning to a role as Teacher’s Aide after considering completing her university studies in education.
In August of 1972, Nina moved with her family to Overland Park, while Greg pursued graduate studies in special education. As life unfolded, she took on various positions, including a full-charge bookkeeper for SOME industries in Mission and an outpatient billing clerk at Stormont-Vail Hospital, showcasing her adaptable skills. Nina’s signature tenure began in November of 1974, with the Social Security Administration in Topeka, where she became a data review technician and a service representative. Seeking greater responsibility and opportunities in accounting, she continued to build her expertise. By May 1985, Nina had embraced a managerial role at Sheltered Living Inc. in Topeka, where she thrived, despite the demanding hours.
In 1991, a new chapter began when Greg accepted a position in Yuma, prompting Nina to follow him. There, she quickly resumed her bookkeeping and accounting work at a community non-profit social services agency. Their journey eventually led them to Phoenix, where Nina seized the opportunity to further her education and earned a B.S. degree in Computer Science. She went on to work at Southwest Behavioral Services, where she was promoted to Vice President of Computer Services, reflecting her hard work and dedication.
In 1996, following Greg’s retirement, Nina discovered her calling to the ministry. After attending Course of Study school in Claremont, California, she became a licensed local pastor in 2011. She served at the United Methodist Church of the Good Shepherd in Kearny. This period filled Nina with joy as she connected deeply with her congregation, bringing her faith to life in meaningful ways. However, as her health began to decline, she made the difficult decision to retire from the ministry. She retired in 2017 and returned to Gilbert, where she lived until Alzheimer’s disease took hold, yet she remained surrounded by the love of her husband, family and friends.
Pastor Nina will forever hold a special place in the hearts of all who knew her. God bless her and her memory.
A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, Oct. 5. The service will be from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. with the open house starting at 1 p.m. and the memorial service starting at 2 p.m. All services will take place at: Falconer Funeral Home 251 West Juniper Ave. Gilbert, AZ 85233. Memorial contributions can be made to: Dementia Society of America, P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901. Condolences may be sent to: Greg Yardley, 71 S. Sandstone St., Gilbert, AZ 85296 or via email.
Remembering God’s word for us, we give thanks to God who gives us the victory over death through Jesus Christ. With gratitude for the life and ministry of Pastor Nina Yardley, please hold her family and friends in prayer at this time.