Ethel "Effie" (Fanta) Yamka

Ethel “Effie” Yamka (nee Fanta), age 93 of Calumet City, IL peacefully passed away on November 26, 2022. She is survived by her loving children: James (Donna) Yamka and Cynthia (John) Withrow; adored grandchildren: Jason (Ljubica) Vignone, Holly (Keith) Kwiatkowski, Brandy (Garlan) Hutcherson, Dakota (Mikayla) Yamka, and Courtney (Ryan Gordish) Withrow; cherished great-grandchildren Logan, Chase, and Alina Kwiatkowski, Sofia & Luca Vignone, Stella & Russell Hutcherson, and Greyson Yamka; numerous dear nieces and nephews. Effie was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Henry (Hank), children Michael and Kathleen, parents, and siblings. 

Effie was born and raised on Ingraham Ave in Calumet City, IL. She was proud to tell people that she lived in the same home for 87 years. In her younger days, she would often be seen riding her bike from one end of town to the other to watch her sons play Little League baseball. Effie was quite the athlete herself, playing softball well into her 60s and participating in the Senior Olympics many summers. In addition, she loved teaching the Senior Exercise class at Sandridge Fitness Center up until the last few years. She was a longtime parishioner of St. Victor Church in Calumet City where she volunteered much of her time. Effie was a die hard Chicago sports fan, but she loved her Cubbies, Bears, and Bulls the most. Effie was happiest spending time with her family and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. 

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Effie’s beautiful life on Monday, November 28, 2022 at Hillside Funeral Home, 8941 Kleinman Rd Highland, IN. 46322 with a visitation from 3:00-7:00 pm. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 29, 2022 directly at St. James the Less Church 9640 Kennedy Ave. Highland, IN. 46322 for a 10:30 am mass of Christian Burial followed by interment services at Holy Cross Cemetery. 

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