Melanie Yakima

BRAIWOOD—Melanie Yakima, 74, of Braidwood, passed away Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019 at home surrounded by her family.              Born Aug. 12, 1944, she was the daughter of Thompson and Lucille (nee Goenenwein) Phelps. She married Ronald Yakima on Aug. 15, 1969 in Chicago. He preceded her in death on March 31, 2001. She was a mother to all and loved taking care of others. Melanie attended the Extreme Church in Joliet.  
Surviving are her sons, Frank Bruno, of Braceville and Aron (Sherry) Yakima, of Wilmington; daughter, TrisTara (Joseph) Diaz, of Kankakee; grandchildren: Jason and Jessica Bruno, Tanner McEachern, Tadan and Talin Yakima and Kaelah and Abigail Diaz; and great-grandson, Landon McEachern.
Preceding her in death were her parents, brother, Tom Phelps and sister, Patricia Phelps.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Funeral services will be at the R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019 at 11 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10 a.m.  
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her name may be directed to any animal rescue of the donor's choice.
For more information and to visit her online guestbook, log on to www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com or find their Facebook page.
R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory, 401 E. Main St., Braidwood is in charge of arrangements.