Judi A. Yankovich

"You woke up every morning to fight the same battle that left you so tired the night before, and that, MY LOVE, is bravery." Judi A. Yankovich, 63, of Mansfield bravely battled brain cancer for eight months and went to her Heavenly home on Thursday, January 31, 2019. She was born August 27, 1955, in Toledo, Ohio, and graduated in 1973 from Ottawa Hills High School.

Family was her number one priority and her three boys were the reason she woke up each day. She loved them unconditionally and valued the uniqueness of each of them, supporting them throughout their lives from school activities to sports to becoming the best husbands and fathers they could. She cherished each member of her family and made wonderful memories with them all. Holidays-especially Easter, Halloween and Christmas-and birthdays were momentous occasions in which Judi showed her affection most brightly. She was loyal, caring, loving and compassionate and exuded a special quality of unconditional acceptance of everyone. When her treasured grandchildren arrived, she made every moment with them special and adored the hugs and kisses they gave so willingly. To say Judi put everyone before herself is an understatement but true testament to how she lived her life.

A hard worker, Judi retired from the dental practice of Dr. Craig C. Callen after 22 years of service. She was a special lady who left a beautiful legacy and touched the lives of everyone she met. Judi loved baking, cooking and taking care of her yard. She took pride in maintaining her home to the highest standards. She loved music, being outdoors, and marveling at the beauty of the trees and mountains. Vacationing in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Myrtle Beach were some of her favorite times. The must-stop at the various Waffle Houses along the way was a highlight of each trip.

She is survived by her husband, Mike Yankovich, whom she loved since 2003; three sons, Adam (Abby) Warmath, Nick (Morgan) Warmath and Nate (Stephanie) Warmath; and two step sons, Jeremy Yankovich and Steven Yankovich. Judi was a loving "Busia" and "Sha" to her ten grandchildren, Jordan, Cooper, Xavier, Vada, Hudson Tide, Kylee, Cole, Brooklyn, Natalia and Savannah. She is also survived by three siblings, Janelle (John) Schmidt, Karen (Mark) Stasa, and Jeff (Peggi) Szymanski; two sisters-in-law, Karla Loveland and Vicky (Alex)Schag; aunts and uncles, Pete (Cece) Pietras, Maryann Thor, and Richard (Barb) Pietras; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, and numerous aunts and uncles.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Saturday, February 16, 2019 from 12-4 p.m., at Dan Lew Exchange's Cafe, 28 N. Main St., Mansfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in care of the family and they will distribute these between OhioHealth Hospice and OhioHealth Rehabilitation. The Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is privileged to serve the family.