Andrea Kaye Connell, beloved Mother, sister and Nana, passed away at the age of 77 on September 5, 2025, in Prosper, Texas. She was born on October 31, 1947, in McAllen, Texas to Ray Yoder and Wilma Jean Ray.
After graduating from McAllen High School, Andrea pursued her passion for helping others at The University of Texas in Houston, where she earned an associate’s degree in Dental Hygiene. She went on to dedicate more than four decades to her career as a dental hygienist, where she was known for her gentle care and friendly personality. Outside of work, Andrea found joy in gardening, where her green thumb brought beauty to her home, and in sewing where her creativity and patience shone through in the pieces she lovingly crafted. Her beautiful stitching, known for its intricate designs and warmth, will be cherished by many for years to come.
She is survived by her daughter, Julie Kaye Venegas and Julie’s husband Salvador of Prosper, Texas; her sister, Kathleen Files of Trenton, Texas; and her brother, Stephen Yoder and wife Susan of Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Andrea also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren - Kaitlyn Cook, Jasmine Venegas, and Carter Cook – along with her nieces and nephews, Byron Yoder, Sonya Yoder, Kyle Yoder, Kathryn McCollum, Kelsey Ottman, Alyssa Gates and numerous great nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.
Andrea was preceded in death by her parents, Ray Yoder and Jean Files.
She will be remembered for her huge smile, contagious laugh, her kindness, resilience and love for her family.
A Celebration of Life will be held 2-4pm, Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 3701 Preston Hills Cir, Prosper, TX 75078. Interment will follow on a later date at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Dementia Society of America in Andrea’s honor are requested, https://www.dementiasociety.org/