Yvonne A. Murkens "The Goat Lady"

Yvonne A. Murkens

Yvonne A. Murkens, known as “The Goat Lady” of Albion, Pa., died Friday, April 11, 2025 at Pleasant Ridge Manor surrounded by her family.

Yvonne was born on September 3, 1944 in Oberlin, Ohio, the daughter of the late Ben S. and Mary (Hack) VanMeter. She graduated from Northwestern High School in 1962 and continued her education at Penn State University where she earned her Batchelor’s Degree in Animal Husbandry in 1966.

“The Three Wishes Farm” in Conneaut Township is where she started raising goats around 1970 and her passion and reputation grew. She was educated in dairy science but her love was in goats. She could talk long and enthusiastically about every aspect of her goats. Yvonne was part of the Lake Erie Goats of all Types Society (LEGOATS) for several years, where at times, she held the positions of President and Vice President of the group. She showed goats at the Albion Area Fair for numerous years and raised her children up doing the same. She was a 4H leader for 22 years and was chairman of the goat barn at the Albion Fair for numerous years. She was known for her veterinarian skills for goats and other livestock. Yvonne lived for her gift in helping animals.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Murkens; son, Michael Murkens; and a step-daughter, Cheryl Mahaffey; brothers, Ben VanMeter, Fred VanMeter; and sisters, Aleta Wagoner, Mary Resley, and Lily VanMeter.

Yvonne is survived by daughters: Louise Kelley and Kathrine Murkens and sisters: Thelma Perillo and Peggy Belew. Grandchildren: Joe Faher, Kris Anderson, Blythe Booker, Micheal Murkens, Elizabeth Murkens, Sara Murkens, Michelle Loepp, Parke Loepp, and Levi Loepp and many great- grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

No viewing or services will be observed for Yvonne. Memorial donations may be made In Memory of Yvonne to the Albion Area Fair.