Martha “Molly” Byers Yost, 84, of Portsmouth, passed away surrounded by family on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the SOMC Hospice Center. Molly was born on March 26, 1941, in Dunkirk, NY, to the late Frank Matthews and Clara May McLaughry Byers.
A 1959 graduate of Dunkirk High School, she attended Ithaca College and earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. Molly wed Carlson Ward Yost in Dunkirk on August 22, 1964. She taught in the schools in Clinton, NY, for two years prior to becoming a full-time homemaker. The family spent stretches of time living in Texas and Louisiana prior to moving to Portsmouth in 1987.
Described by her beloved husband as “a pretty bride and a beautiful mother,” family was the foundation and central focus of Molly’s long life. She led her son’s Cub Scout dens for several years and helped with the nursery at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Portsmouth. Some of her favorite memories were of road trips to visit her parents, sisters, and cousins, who then all piled into the family car to go antiquing. Family reunions were always chaotic fun and the perfect opportunity to catch up on everyone’s lives and brag about her own children and grandchildren. Molly was also an avid fan of the (frequently disappointing) Cincinnati Reds.
Surviving Molly is her husband of 60 years, whom she met on a Valentine’s Day blind date in 1963, Dr. Carlson W. Yost; three sons, Robinson (Laura) Yost of Solon, IA, Paul (Ann) Yost of Portsmouth; and Thomas (Sarah) Yost of Augusta, GA; sister Rebecca (Erlon “Chip”) Babcock, brother Robert (Suzanne) Byers; seven grandchildren; eight nieces and a nephew, many cousins, and all the neighborhood cats who relied on her for a treat.
In addition to her parents, Molly was preceded in death by an infant son, Richard Ward Yost; and her sister & brother-in-law, Helen and John Meisinger.
A Memorial Service will held at 1 P.M. on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at All Saints’ Episcopal Church with Rev. Gene Hallahan officiating. The family will receive friends two hours prior to services in the church Guild Hall. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Molly’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.
