Yurnalis Ngayoh was born on 20 August 1942 at a small village in Barong Tongkok, West Kutai.

At the age of six, his father enrolled him at a Catholic school owned by People's Education, Teaching, and Development Foundation.

Before he studied in the school, he had to pass an entrance examination, which is to cross his arm above his head until one of his fingers reached his ear.

[1] During his term as vice governor, Ngayoh pursued a master's degree in management[2] at the Wijaya Putra University in Surabaya.

[1] After serving in regencial government for twelve years, Ngayoh was promoted as the Assistant to the Governor of East Kalimantan for the Southern Territory.

[11] Ngayoh's work scope as a vice governor was expanded in 2000 to include matters relating to the development of the province.

At an opening statement in an all-Dayak conference, a speaker stated that "God has given us a chance in this reformation era.

"[17] Suwarna's PDIP's support base did not last long, as the party later lost the 2004 Indonesian presidential election.

[22] During his brief stint as definitive governor, Ngayoh opposed the increase of fuel prices and encouraged the populace to protest against the policy.

[24] In the midst of his term as definitive Governor, Ngayoh applied for PDIP[25] and Golkar[26] endorsement as a candidate in the 2008 gubernatorial election.

[9] Ngayoh also held a position as a lecturer[30] and as the chairman of the Advisory Council in the Samarinda 17 August University.

[31] Ngayoh died at 6.30 on 8 February 2021 in Abdul Wahab Sjahranie Regional Central Hospital, Samarinda.

[33] Yurnalis was buried on 10 February at the Sungai Siring Catholic Cemetery in Samarinda, with the Head of the East Kalimantan Transportation Agency A.F.F.

[33] The marriage produced four children, Adrianus Inu Natalisanto, Irene Yuriantini, Viktor A Yulian, and Ayang Viktoria Meity.