Natalie Elizabeth Yancey May 12, 1996 April 10, 2020 Natalie Elizabeth Yancey was a rare gem. She revealed many of her brilliant polished facets to all for 23 years. She left us with some uncut surfaces that we can now only imagine in our dreams. Nat was a true lover of animals and was especially true to her beautiful horse Hendricks. She had life long open passion for taking care of vulnerable people. Natalie had many extraordinary experiences in her short life and touched the lives of many. In high school, she raised a successful seeing eye dog her senior year. Payson was her constant companion and walked with her at graduation. After attending college at Miami University of Ohio she returned home to Seattle to work as a nanny. Nat had an affinity for patiently and lovingly caring for children. She lived in downtown Seattle and enjoyed the excitement of city life. After two urban years she returned to Gig Harbor and pursued her love of horses. She was very proud of the meticulous and organized care that she provided for every horse as stable manager at the stable where she learned to ride. Natalie traveled the world. She had adventures in Asia, Africa, Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean. She dreamed of a destination wedding in Thailand and her favorite hotel was on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. Whistler was her favorite ski resort. Natalie hiked the Grand Canyon, drove dogsleds in the Tetons, rode horses in Monument Valley, and snowmobiled through Yellowstone in the winter. She enjoyed sailing in the Gulf Islands and to Desolation Sound in British Columbia. In Tanzania, she nurtured children in an orphanage and in Bhutan she camped in the Himalayan snow. She made life long friends in Nepal and Bhutan. Natalie loved riding her magnificent horse Hendricks. She fell in love with this gentle giant and could make herself one with his movements and flow. She jumped, galloped, and cantered her love. It was a splendid sight to see. The quiet days at the barn were a comfort to her. She loved working with the young girls who shared her passion for horses and the smell of hay. She worked long hours and had an innate aptitude for recognizing animals in distress. Natalie was also an extraordinary poet. She expressed many of her feelings on paper and could create prose with deep meaning. She was thoughtful and wise beyond her years. She loved to discuss politics and world affairs at the dinner table or in front of a fire after a long day of work at the barn with a glass of rose. Above all else, Natalie loved her parents Bob and Betti Ann Yancey. Her mom was her best friend and her dad was her buoy. Her extended family of multiple aunts, uncles, and cousins she considered a gift. Nat chose to have deep and fiercely loyal relationships with several close friends. Natalie was also blessed with a wonderful village of adult friends who recognized the old soul in her. A flickering candlelight in Natalie's favorite Glassy Baby will remind us forever of her wonderful smile and ability to make us laugh until we cried. We will miss her immensely, every single day. The Yancey family would like to thank the extraordinary support provided by family, our dear friend Eleanor, Natalie's friends from pre-school thru college, neighbors, and the extended village that supported Natalie throughout her life. A Celebration of Life will be held at the family home sometime in the fall.
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This beautiful obituary is an amazing tribute to dear Natalie. It captures her spirit so completely. We feel her loss deeply and will miss her always. Bob and Betti Ann can be proud of the daughter they raised with so much love.
Mary Magee
Friend
July 27, 2020
Natalie was a beautiful and vivacious person that I was lucky to have known for a small amount of time. I'm so sorry to hear that she passed. She will be missed.
Sasha Tinsley
June 12, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Bob and Betti Ann. Natalie was a bright light here on earth. She will be so missed. Holding you close in our hearts. The Laketa Family
Margie and Pete Laketa
Friend
June 11, 2020
A lovely young lady who had a beautiful spirit. Her smile and welcoming heart were adorable. Incredibly sad to hear about her passing. I am grateful I had some time with her, she really was a gem. Peace to you and your family.
Nathalie Merrick
Acquaintance
June 5, 2020
I'm so sorry for your loss Dr. And Mrs Yancey.
Dr. Yancey I recall you talking about your lovely daughter during surgery like the jewel she was.
Calm healing vibes to you.
Shelley LaFave
Friend
May 28, 2020
After hearing of Natalie her entire life (through Rachel, my sister, her Aunt) I only recently met her. I was so impressed with this girl, her love of animals, her wisdom and her spot on sense of humor. Even though I knew her briefly I will always long to have known her more.
Pam Kudla
Family
May 26, 2020
Such a beautiful tribute to a beautiful young woman. This world will miss you and all your gifts, but your light will continue to shine, and make us smile when we think of you
Karyn Derby
Friend
May 26, 2020
Natalie, a beautiful flower, a bright shinning star, a wind that blows through...You will never be gone & will always be in my heart. I will hear your laugh and see your beautiful smile forever! Smart, Compassionate, Loyal, Unwavering, love you Nat xoxoxo
Karrie Betts
Friend
May 24, 2020
We love you and miss you every day, Natalie. Yes, we will look for you in the beautiful sunsets and nature always.
May 24, 2020
We love and miss her so much. She was beautiful both inside and out. Continue to paint the sky for us. John and Kathy
Kathy Samms
Friend
May 24, 2020
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