MaryEllen Yurchak

She was born MaryEllen Hastings on September 29, 1934 in Chicago, the fifth child but only daughter, of Floyd and MaryBelle (Euneman) Hastings. During her adolescent years, the family relocated to Gary, IN and it was here she spent the last 2 years of high school being courted by her future husband and love of her life, Jim Yurchak. Jim and MaryEllen married on October 30, 1954.

For the next 15 years they grew their family, moving to Plainwell in 1966, where they lived for the remainder of their lives together.

Known as "Nana" to her family, MaryEllen brought joy, love and bad jokes to all who knew her. She enjoyed teaching her grandchildren life lessons, whether it was cooking noodles, baking cardamom bread, or imparting lessons on proper manners. Her infectious belly laughs would fill a room, creating an atmosphere of happiness and comfort. Despite her petite stature, she held a larger-than-life presence in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who fondly remember the tradition of measuring their height against hers during each visit, celebrating the day they surpassed her.

MaryEllen fought the dementia demons for greater than 15 years, finally winning her battle to clarity on July 22, 2024 in Oklahoma at the home of her son, Bryan, with family surrounding her.

Her faith was strong and unwavering. She now is reaping her reward in the arms of her Lord and Savior and at the side of her beloved husband and family that preceded her which includes her parents, 4 brothers, her husband, James, and their 3 children; Douglas, Bruce, and Kathryn.

She is survived by her children; Dianne (Doug) DeYoung, Bryan (Alaina) Yurchak, and Ruth (Jim) Reis. Grandchildren; Mark (Rochelle) Howard, Jason (Kendra) DeYoung, Julie (Beau) Taylor, Troy (Raquel) Yurchak, Ashley (Bill) Beck, Jamie (Kevin) Maloney, Kody Yurchak, Daniel Yurchak, Logan (Kailey) Pickett, Elizabeth (Jake) Sawyer, and Benjamin (Erika) Yurchak. Not to forget the twenty-five great grandchildren, and a group too large to number of nieces, nephews, and loving friends.

Cremation has taken place. Interment will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery to join her husband, at a later date.

Wasson Funeral Home