Chesterton resident Elaine G. Yates (nee Mehlman), 72, died Sunday, June 24, 2007, at her residence.

She was born Jan. 14, 1935, in Chicago, the daughter of Allen and Gene (Friedman) Mehlman, who preceded her in death.

She is survived by her husband, Ascher Yates of Chesterton; a son, Jay Berman of Valparaiso; two daughters, Amy (husband Steven) Yates of Oak Park, Ill., and Elise (husband Michael) McMahan of Sherman Oaks, Calif.; a sister, Sue (husband Dick) Reizner of San Jose, Calif.; and three grandsons, Max, Will, and Caleb.

Elaine was a past president and dedicated member of the String Along Quilt Guild in Valparaiso and a retired special education teacher from Los Angeles, Calif., who continued to teach special ed at Liberty Elementary School. She was a devoted teacher many of whose former students remained in contact with her through the years.

Interment will be at Waldheim Cemetery in Forest Park, Ill., with a private family ceremony and memorial service to be held at a later date.

Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, 517 Broadway in Chesterton, is handling arrangements.

www.funeral1.com

Posted 6/25/2007