Phyllis J. (Smith) Yanas

Phyllis J. Yanas (nee Smith) 87 of Whiting, passed away peacefully on the early morning of Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at her residence. She was the beloved wife of the late Andy Yanas who passed away November 26, 1998; loving mother of Kay Yanas and Donna (Thomas) Cafferata; special step-grandmother of Paul Cafferata and Katherine (Tim) Gold; adoring great grandma of Ari and Trace Gold; dearest sister of Vera (Mike) Newman, Martha (Ron) Chinn and the late Evalena Tozer, Mike Smith, Jr., Howard Smith, Earl J. Smith and Ruth Snodgrass; dear aunt to numerous nieces and nephews; many cherished friends and caring neighbors.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11:00am at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting, IN, with Pastor Pete Ward, officiating; interment to follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Crown Point; visitation at the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 to 8:00p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be shared online at www.baranfh.com. 

Phyllis Yanas was born on March 25, 1938, in Olcott, West Virginia to Mike and Nellie (Means) Smith. A longtime resident of Whiting, she attended Whiting United Methodist Church and was a former employee of the Whiting White Castle. An avid reader, Phyllis enjoyed tending to her flower garden and yard. She made each holiday special by decorating and gifting special trinkets. Her treasured accomplishment was raising her two daughters, as she watched and shared in their growth, careers, and family. A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Phyllis will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Whiting Food Pantry or the Whiting “Gimme Shelter” (for pets), P.O. Box 591, Whiting, IN 46394, would be appreciated. 

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