Mary Ellen Yast

Date of Death: January 24, 2010

MARY ELLEN YAST (nee Donlan) age 80 beloved wife of the late Charles J. Yast M.D. of Merrillville formerly of Gary passed away in peace and dignity at Hartsfield Special Care Center in Munster IN on January 24 2010. Mrs. Yast was born and raised in Chicago IL. She was a graduate of Loretto High School and met her future husband while working as a medical laboratory technician during his residency. She was a long-time member of SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church the Mercy Hospital Guild and Innsbrook Country Club. Mrs. Yast was a loving mother and fantastic cook who enjoyed traveling entertaining and socializing with her many friends. Mrs. Yast was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years and their daughter Mary Catherine KikiChadwick. She is survived by her children: C. Joseph (Helen) Yast Jr. of Valparaiso John R. (Jenny) Yast of Flossmoor IL Dr. Patricia A. (Sally) Gardner of Portland OR and Dr. Nancy (Scott) Gudeman of Greenwood IN 11 grandchildren: Lynda (Greg) Kolb Patrick and Ryan Yast Steven Chadwick Andrew Kevin Colleen Brian and John Gudeman Clair Gardner and Rachel Yast great-granddaughter Caroline Kolb. She is also survived by her brother John JackDonlan sister Shirley (Philip) OConnell-both of Park Ridge IL brother-in-law Rev. Robert A. Yast of Ft. Wayne IN and many loving nieces and nephews. Friends may call at Pruzin Brothers Funeral Service 6360 Broadway Merrillville on Wednesday from 3-7 P.M. with a prayer service at 3:00P.M. Funeral services will be held Thursday January 28 2010 at 9:30 A.M. from Pruzin Brothers Chapel and 10:00 A.M. from SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church (5885 Harrison St. Merrillville) with Rev. Roy Beeching officiating. At rest Calumet Park Cemetery Merrillville. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to SS. Peter & Paul Building Transformation Fund.

Geisen Funeral Home

Light a candle Light a candle

Flowers & Gifts

Arrangements starting at $35

See Condolences

Dear Joe: Stopped by to see your Ma a few decades ago at home in Mville. Great lady. Nothing but fond memories of her. She told me she was still making blueberry cheesecake recipe she got from my Ma. Was blown away when hearing of Kikis passing. Deepest Sympathy Mark

We send all of the family our love and prayers. Remembering Mary Ellen always brings a smile and fond memories..she could always see the funny side. Mary Ellen was a dear friend and we loved her.

All Yasts: Am thinking of you during this difficult time and fondly remember time spent with Aunt Mary Ellen Uncle Charlie and everyone. There are many great memories that remain with me from Uncle Charlie striking up his perhaps not quite American Idol-ready a capella version of Sweet Caroline whenever my sister came in sight to Aunt Mary Ellen introducing my brother and I to golf while patiently watching us work through a 9 hole 227 stroke round to watching Grandpa Donlan add his white capped snowy mountain potatos to massive Thanksgiving feasts at the Yast house. We always looked forward to our visits and the fun they would bring. While it may be cliche to say that Aunt Mary Ellen will be missed but not forgotten the sentiment couldnt be more true.

Aunt Mary Ellen always made me feel very special. I will always remember Thanksgivings at her house lunches at the club and playing pachinko and bumper pool in her basement. But most of all when I remember her I will remember that she was a lady at all times - and she made it look easy! I will miss her very much and I am very sorry I could not be there to pay my respects. I will continue to pray for Aunt Mary Ellen and for our whole family. Love Caroline

Condolences to Mary Ellen Yasts children on the passing of their mother. Mary Ellen and I started school together in Kindergarten and were together for the 8 years at St. Felicitas Parish Grade School on 84th Street on the south side of Chicago. We were the best of friends then. We both went on to high school at Loretto Woodlawn Academy. On the first day of our Freshman year we sat at a table with Sue Ann OBrien also from St. Felicitas and were joined by 3 friends Joan Barbara and Veronica. The 6 of us shared that table for all 4 years of our high school time. We have often talked about the fun times we had together in those years. Mary Ellen and I were in each others weddings as bridesmaids. While after we were married we did not see a whole lot of each other we did keep in contact with each other by telephone with an occasional visit. She was my best friend. I will miss her very much as I know you children will.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Our heart felt sympathy to the Yast family in the loss Mary Ellen. The Yast family were very special people and we enjoyed the friendship of Dr. Charlie and Mary Ellen.They were loved by many and their friend ship was a gift. Please accept Joyces and my condolence to the family and may G-d bless the all.

Patty and John So sorry to hear about your mom. I know she and your father certainly put up with a lot from us! Please accept our condolences. Know that your family is in our prayers. Pete

What fond memories we have of the Yast family. Dr. taking care of our family at Ross Clinic having the Yast kids in school with ours but mostly I remember Mary Ellen working in the library at STS. Peter and Paul school. I worked in the cafeteria at that time and we got to visit. What a lovely lady. Easy to be friends with. She will be missed but not forgotten. May you all be comforted by many happy memories. The Chester family

Arlene and I remember Mary Ellen well and give our sympathy to the family.

To the Yast Children: Please accept my deepest condolences. I have such fond memories of playing with Kiki on Fillmore street and of your gracious mother. Your family is in my prayers. Mary (Suelzer) Conlisk

Dear Nancy and the extended Yast family Ill always remember your Mom as being a consummate hostess and a genuinely thoughtful woman. Whether it was Eggs Benedict with homemade Hollandaise sauce at your home in Merrillville or the peanut butter/chocolate Buckeyes she always sent back to ND with Nancy after holidays (oh how I loved those!) she made guests and friends feel warmly welcome. She will be lovingly remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Mary and Jeff

Our prayers and thoughts are with the family. betty&tom conley

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.