Yvonne Marlene Gerdes Kern Sumner, age 74, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2013. Yvonne was born on October 22, 1938 in Seguin, Texas to her loving parents Willie Gerdes and Antoinette "Nettie" Stautzenberger Gerdes. She was a proud graduate of the Seguin High School Class of '57 and an accomplished small business owner. She had many passionate pursuits including scouring the countryside in her restored Karmann Ghia convertible for antiques. She had a lifelong love of tennis and was known as a fierce competitor; one that you always hoped would be on your side of the net. Yvonne suffered far too many years with Primary Progressive Aphasia – a rare form of dementia that cruelly robbed her of many of life's simplest pleasures. She fought this battle with grace and courage, all the while with her compassionate caregiver Nacha Aguirre by her side. Mere words cannot express the depth of gratitude owed to Nacha and her husband Rene Aguirre and their loving family for their unwavering loyalty and constant support. God was asked to send Yvonne an angel to care for her during her journey, but He blessed her with a family of angels instead. Yvonne is preceded in death by her parents, brother William "Sonny" Gerdes, sister Geraldine "Jerry" Gerdes Albrecht and husband Herman, and former husband and father of her children Don Kern. Those left to mourn her loss include her children Greg Kern and wife Frances, Debbie Kern and husband Alan Plotkin, Brenda Volpe and husband Bruce, and Lance Kern and wife Claire Barrett; grandchildren Mallory Kern, Greg Kern, Jr., Haley Kern Plotkin, Kai Kern Plotkin, Evan Volpe and Ava Volpe; sister Goldie Herbold and husband Leroy; former husband and friend James "Mac" Sumner; dear friend Ella Meier; her beloved tennis ladies as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Graveside services and interment will be held on Friday, January 25, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at San Geronimo Cemetery. A reception and celebration of her life will follow. To honor her love of tennis and the joy that it brought to her throughout her life, the Yvonne Sumner Memorial Tennis Scholarship has been established. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the scholarship fund. Please make checks to Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union (account number 8569844) and mail to 216 Wingate Court, Seguin, TX 78155.