Yvonne Lime, the actress beloved for her work on the classic family sitcom Father Knows Best. She was also adored for her big-screen role opposite Elvis Presley in Loving You. She has died at the age of 90.
Her passing was announced Friday by Childhelp, the national nonprofit she co-founded in 1959 and served for decades. In addition to her acting career, Lime was also known as a tireless philanthropist under her married name, Yvonne Fedderson.
Yvonne Glee Lime was born on April 7, 1935, in Glendale, California. She trained at the Pasadena Playhouse. She broke into film and television in the 1950s and ’60s. She became a familiar face to TV audiences as Dottie Snow on Father Knows Best, while also appearing across a wide range of popular series during the era.
Lime made her film debut in 1956’s The Rainmaker alongside Burt Lancaster. She had a memorable turn in Loving You with Presley. She later appeared in cult favorites such as I Was a Teenage Werewolf, Dragstrip Riot, and High School Hellcats. In these, she earned top billing.
Her television résumé was equally extensive. She appeared on Happy, The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show, and The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis. Additionally, she was on Bringing Up Buddy, Wichita Town, Bat Masterson, and Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
In 1969, Lime married television producer Don Fedderson. The couple welcomed a daughter, Dionne Fedderson.
While her Hollywood credits made her a recognizable name, Lime’s most enduring legacy came through her humanitarian work. Alongside close friend and co-star Sara O’Meara, she co-founded an organization that would later become Childhelp. It was originally created to support orphans in post-typhoon Japan. The organization later grew into one of the nation’s leading voices in child abuse prevention, intervention, and treatment.
“Yvonne was my dearest friend. She was my partner in this mission for more than six decades,” O’Meara said in a statement. “Her compassion, strength, and belief in the power of love shaped Childhelp from its earliest days.”
Celebrity ambassador Kathie Lee Gifford also paid tribute. She called Lime’s life “overflowing with extraordinary purpose and grace.” Gifford praised her unwavering faith. She also praised her dedication to children.
Actor John Stamos added that Lime’s impact went far beyond Hollywood. “Through Childhelp, she helped save millions of children. She protected those who never would have had a voice without her,” he said. “That is not just a legacy — it is a living miracle.”
Yvonne Lime leaves behind a remarkable dual legacy. She was a familiar face from television’s golden age. She was also a compassionate force whose work continues to change lives around the world.
Prayers for her family and friends 🙏🙏🙏