Yvette I. Clevish, born January 13, 1946 in Seattle, Washington, passed away on August 24th in Cave Creek, Arizona. Yvette was a woman of grace, talent, beauty, and great energy who had a lasting impact on the lives of all who knew her.
Yvette, profoundly deaf from a young age, never stopped reaching for her dreams. She excelled in music, beginning piano lessons at the age of 4 and performing solo at the Seattle World’s Fair at 16. Throughout her life she composed, performed, and published original scores, some of which were highlighted on NPR. She began art lessons with the celebrated artist Lisel Selzer at the age of 6. She continued to draw, paint and sculpt into her 70s. Her work features nature, people, and scenes from her years in Ajijic, Mexico. Yvette also developed an early passion for horses and as a young child frequently dragged her father and her horse to various meets and competitions. She participated and competed as an accomplished equestrian in western pleasure, endurance, and show jumping events throughout her life.
Yvette met her beloved husband, Ken, at Lundeen’s Resort in Lake Stevens, Washington in October 1963. The married on January 15, 1965 in Bothell, WN. In 1973 the young couple moved to Phillipsburg, Montana where they operated the Chaussee Sapphire Mine. They continued operating the mine until 1985, but their jewelry stores, which they opened in 1975 in Missoula required their attention and talent as well. Yvette’s commitment to their business and her own curiosity led her to earn a graduate gemology degree from the Gemological Institute of America. Later she became a Certified Gemologist and Certified Gemologist Appraiser which she earned from the American Gem Society. Her skills and creativity as an artist and her understanding of people and gems led Yvette to create unique pieces for her clients.
Married for over 59 years, Ken and Yvette worked their jewelry business together before retiring to Big Arm, Montana, Ajijic, Mexico, and finally to Cave Creek, Arizona. They were a devoted, loving couple who shared all the good and the not-so-good that life inevitably brings our way. The provided a wonderful example of what marriage can be.
Yvette is survived by her husband, Ken, her nieces Roxanne Smith, Elizabeth Townsend, Allison McKenzie. She was preceded in death by her father Wilfred P. Chaussee, her mother Nathalie Hayhurst and sister Jeannie Chaussee.
No memorial service is planned for Yvette. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.
Donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
