© Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home
5005 SE 29th Street, Del City, OK, 73115
(permission granted)

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Melinda Dawn Yantis

Melinda Dawn, beloved daughter, sister, and friend, passed away Monday, June 30, 2003 after a lengthy illness. Melinda was born May 5, 1961 in Oklahoma City to Charles and Janette (Atkinson) Yantis.

Melinda was a faithful and devoted member of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Midwest City, where she worked in the nursery and also where she served as a Eucharistic Minister. Melinda had worked for her grandfather's company, the W.P. "Bill" Atkinson Company, and had attended Rose State College and the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, where she received a degree in Arts.

Melinda was a warm and beautiful person who loved children. Besides working in the nursery at St. Philip's, she was the favorite babysitter in her family. She also enjoyed working with the plants in her greenhouse, and she was especially fond of animals. She was a bright and fun loving person who went all out during the holidays, especially Christmas. She was also the family photographer. Perhaps most importantly, she was the family caregiver, especially for her mother. Melinda's kind and caring spirit will be deeply missed.

Members of her family are her parents, Charles and Janette Yantis; her sister and brother-in-law Dianna Lynn Swafford and husband Gregory, and their son Jason Lee Yantis; her brothers, Paul Yantis and wife Matoshi, and their son Trevor Yantis, and Chuck Yantis. She is also survived by many other loving family members and friends, especially her beloved pet Schnauzer Sadie.

Melinda was preceded in death by her Paternal Grandparents, James and Louise Yantis, and by her Maternal Grandparents, W.P. "Bill" and Ruby Atkinson. A Vigil service will begin at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 2, 2003 at the St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Midwest City. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 3, 2003. Melinda will be laid to rest in the Arlington Memory Gardens Chapel Mausoleum.

The family would like to thank the nurses at Midwest Regional Medical Center ICU for their loving and tender care, as well as the nurses at the Selected Specialty Hospital. The family is also grateful to the Maeloa Boone family, which has become our "extended family" for their love and support, and especially Melinda's special shopping friend and confidant, Danielle Gordon. Those wishing to honor Melinda's memory may do so by contributing to St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, 1107 Felix Place, Midwest City, OK 73110.

Bill Eisenhour Southeast 5005 S.E. 29 672-1321