Sen. Yeckel, a Republican, was educated at the University of Missouri in St. Louis where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in political science. Currently, she is enrolled in the MPPA graduate program at UMSL.

     Before being elected to the Senate, Sen. Yeckel served three terms on the Lindbergh School District Board of Education. She served as its president, treasurer, secretary (twice) and, most recently, as its vice-president. She also served on the Special School District Governing Council.

     Sen. Yeckel has worked in the financial institutions industry for 17 years. She has been with First National Bank in St. Louis for seven years. Previously, she worked for ten years with American Home Savings and Loan Association.

     Many civic groups have benefited from Sen. Yeckel's involvement. She is a member of the Crestwood Kiwanis Club and is a co-founder and board member of the South County Art Council. She is also active in the Catholic church.

     The bulk of Sen. Yeckel's work in the community has been in the area of education serving on several committees and boards. Her committee work includes the Preschool Advisory Committee and the Citizens Advisory Committee for Mehlville School District. She was also a PAL coordinator and volunteer for that district.

     With the Lindbergh School District, she helped found and presided over the Spirit Association. She has also served on the St. Catherine Laboure School Board and is a member of the executive board and legislative committee of Cooperating School Districts.

     Sen. Yeckel was the recipient of the MCTA School Bell Award in 1979, the Lindbergh Leaders Award in 1989 and was honored by the Phi Alpha Alpha Honor Fraternity. However, she is most proud of the Lindbergh Student Council Mother of the Year Award she received in 1990.

     She has been married for 32 years to Robert A. Yeckel. They have two daughters.