Melba Jean Hebert Yantis, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died peacefully from dementia at 1:47 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, at Camelot Brookside after living there for three and a half years, at the age of 85.

Mrs. Yantis was born on Feb. 1, 1939 in Lake Charles where she resided all her life and was a graduate of Lagrange High School class of 1957.  She furthered her education at Texas Christian University (TCU).  

A lifelong member of St. Luke-Simpson United Methodist Church, Mrs. Yantis was deeply involved in the life of her church. She shared her love for music by singing in the choir and playing piano, and also participating in the church’s ladies’ craft group. Her passion for music extended beyond the walls of the church, as she often sang at weddings and funerals, offering comfort and joy through her voice. In her earlier years, she and her father were part of a singing group called the Goldenaires, who visited nursing homes to bring cheer to those in need.

In her personal life, Mrs. Yantis was a true homemaker and nurturer. She found joy in gardening, crafting, sewing, reading, and solving word puzzles. Her love for creativity and beauty was evident in all that she did.  Even in her later years, when her health began to decline, her eyes would light up with joy when she was visited by loved ones.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Jean Hunter (Douglas) of Lafayette and their children, Megan, Adam (Erin), and Catherine “Cathy” Unkel (Eric) of Kinder and their children, Jessica, Mallory, and Joe (Morgan); 10 great-grandchildren, Kensie, Remi Catherine, Tanner, Kara, Whitten, Thomas, Ryan Claire, Reese, Greyson, and Emery, and siblings, Douglas L. Hebert Jr. (Terry) of Kinder, George Hebert (Annie) of Gulf Breeze, Fla., and Monica Hebert of Virginia.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Douglas and Rosalie Hebert; son, Mark Allen Yantis; husband, Cecil Harold Yantis, and a sister, Ruth Ellen Abrahams.

A funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in the Johnson Funeral Home chapel.  The Rev. Tracy MacKenzie will officiate.  Burial will follow in Prien Memorial Park.  Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. and continue until the start of the service.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Camelot Brookside in Jennings for the loving way in which they took care of their mother.  The care they showed their mother, and the family was a true blessing.  

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneral home.net.