'Remarkable Woman:' Morris Co. Native, 37, Dies At National Park

MORRIS COUNTY – Donna Youker had a deep love for nature, and a desire to protect it. Then she got her dream job at Yellowstone National Park after growing up in Morris County, and everything seemed set.

So it was a shock to many when Youker died at the place she called home, and where she always wanted to be.

Youker died on Tuesday at her home in Yellowstone National Park. She was 37, according to her obituary from the Whitham-Kanapaux Funeral Home.

"She was a remarkable woman," said the Montana Conservation Corps, which considers Youker an alumna.

Just recently, Donna landed her dream job as a law enforcement officer in Yellowstone National Park. Before then, Donna served as an MCC crew Leader in 2008 and 2009; having a deep love for Yellowstone National Park, Donna later worked as a member of the Yellowstone Backcountry Trails Crew.

All this happened over the past 10 years after she was born in Denville, raised in Randolph and then graduated from Randolph High School. She earned her Bachelor's of Science in biology at Montclair State University.

"We are sad today as we mourn the passing," the MCC said. "Donna died last week at her home in Yellowstone. Our hearts are with Donna's friends and family."

Donna moved out west over 10 years ago and lived her best life working in several beautiful national parks. She enjoyed traversing through the back country and all the enjoyment the mountains and the snow offer, her obituary said.

She also enjoyed time visiting her friends, family, and her nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly.

She is survived by her siblings: Donald, Danielle, David and Darren Youker; her nieces and nephews Elizabeth, Makenzie, Jacob, and Mason; her dog, Rex; and countless friends and work-family members. She was predeceased by her parents: Donald and Marilyn; and her grandmother, Elizabeth.