Maria Yolanda Steinkirchner

Maria Yolanda Steinkirchner was reunited with her husband on Monday, May 25, 2020. Maria passed away peacefully at the age of 82.
Maria was born in Mexicali, Mexico and joined the US Air Force at the age of 22. Maria learned English from watching Elvis movies and gained of love of travel during her time in the service. Maria was lucky enough to be stationed in Germany as an enlisted member and would later live there again with her family.
Maria met her husband, Paul, at Travis Air Force base and they married in June 1963. Maria did not abandon her military career, but put it on pause while she raised a family. Maria and her family lived all around the United States (Mississippi, New Mexico, Illinois, Maryland, California, and Oklahoma) and overseas (Philippines and Germany) from 1963 1978 when her husband retired and they finally settled in Redlands, CA.
After the family was settled in Redlands, CA, Maria re-enlisted as a reservist in the US Air Force. She spent the next twenty years working as a civil service employee at Norton AFB and March Air Reserve Field. She retired from duty in 1997.
Maria earned a BA of History from San Diego State University in 1974 and a Masters Degree in Vocational Education from Cal State San Bernardino. Maria valued education and instilled the desire for learning and hard work in her children. In 1959, Maria received the distinction of being named Female Airman of the year.
She loved animals and a good party. She was a fierce opponent in Trivial Pursuit and never lost a match. She loved to dance, sing and never shied away from the spotlight. Maria also had a hidden talent - playing the piano! She had instruction at a young age but was unable to read music, so Maria always played by ear. If you invited her over, she would always take time to sit down and play.
She is survived by her three children, Bill and his wife Melanie, Paul and his wife Nancy and Daniella and her husband Paul. Her niece Maria and her husband Sergio as well as seven grandchildren Sergio, Luis, Dylan, Kyra, Billy, James and Case.