Ann M. Bales Yazel

1926 - 2024

Ann M. Bales Yazel
Born: October 4, 1926
Died: June 2, 2024
Anna May Frances Bales Yazel (lovingly known around town as Ann Yazel), age 97, passed away peacefully in her home on June 2, 2024, in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Born on October 4, 1926, in Elmhurst, Illinois, Ann was the beloved child of Frances Mary (Case) Bales and Leonard John Bales.
Ann left Elmhurst in the late 1950s to move to the countryside of Crystal Lake. She lived in the forest for many years, enjoying the tranquility it provided. Ann loved painting, ceramics, nature, go-go boots, miniskirts, and watching a Midwest storm roll in. She also enjoyed lounging by the
Fox River.
Ann was a colorful storyteller and wrote and journaled about the simpler days of her childhood. She loved the song "Moon River." She had a special affinity for plants and flowers, especially orchids, which matched her stubbornness. A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, Ann rarely missed a game and was overjoyed when they won the 2016 World Series.
Ann's later years were spent taking care of her grandchildren. She never missed a birthday or holiday card. She loved her black coffee and diner visits, often frequenting Around the Clock. She enjoyed her daughter's garden and spending time with her family's animals, including dogs, cats, horses, llamas, and birds. She created a lush oak of a family tree, setting into motion a lineage of change-makers. Her greatest accomplishment was creating good humans.
Ann is survived by her brother Stanley and five children, Ann (Donald) Mueller, Donna (Jay) Johnson, Mary Yazel, Robert Yazel, and Steven Yazel. She also leaves behind thirteen grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews who brought immense joy to her life.
She was preceded in death by her first husband John Eugene Yazel, her son John Yazel, grandson Steven Yazel, brothers Leonard, Robert, John, Willard, Donald, and Matthew, as well as her sisters Marion and Frances.
Memorial visitation will be Saturday, June 15, 2024 from 11 AM until 2 PM with a Celebration of Life service at 2 PM at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave. (Rte. 176), Crystal Lake, IL 60014. Interment will be private.
Ann's family will be dedicating a tree in her honor through the Crystal Lake Park District. Her legacy will live on through all the lives she touched over nearly a century.
For information, please contact Davenport Family Funeral Home, Crystal Lake, 815-459-3411. For online condolences please visit, www.davenportfamily.com.