Anna Marie Yates

  Anna Marie (Bazik) Yates, 85, of Arlington Heights passed away peacefully Friday, May 29, 2026 in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

  She is survived by her husband, Douglas Yates; daughters, Jane (Kevin) Galli, Alice (Walter Jacob) Yates, Ann (Robert) Krieger and Elizabeth (Greg) Masslich; grandchildren, Zakira Masslich, Joshua Masslich and Jill Galli. 

   She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Edna Bazik and a brother, Andrew Matthew Bazik.    

  Anna Marie was born in Streator on July 2, 1940 to Andrew and Anna (Vagasky) Bazik.  She was baptized in 1941 and confirmed in 1952 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Streator.  She married Douglas Yates on June 28, 1969 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Streator.

  Anna Marie began her education at the local grade schools in Streator and graduated from Streator High School, Class of 1958. She continued her education at Illinois State University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Master’s Degree in Counseling.  On June 14, 1969, two weeks before marrying Douglas, she obtained her PhD in Counseling from Northwestern University.

  In the fall of 1969, Dr. Anna Marie continued her journey of counseling, educating and molding young lives through her love of school and teaching.  She had begun as a counselor at Arlington Heights High School in 1963, then accepted a position as the first female faculty member at Harper College in 1967, and leaving in 1970 to raise her 4 daughters.  After 16 years, Anna Marie returned to being a counselor at Elk Grove High School and concluded her career as a Professor at National Louis University.

  Anna Marie was a devout servant of God. Her faith in Christ was very strong, starting each day with a devotion, Bible reading, reflection on the previous day and prayer for the day ahead. She often repeated this Bible verse to comfort and encourage others: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, KJV)

   Anna Marie was also a dedicated wife to Douglas and mother to their four daughters. She was devoted to raising her children and supporting the broader community, including through being the President of the PTA, Girl Scout Leader, coordinator of the “Picture Lady” program (bringing art into classrooms), coordinator of Rainbows (a grief support group for youth), and supporting and encouraging nearly every person she met.  In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening, painting, engaging with others – either 1-1 or in a group, and spending time with her grandchildren.

  Anna Marie was a compassionate, selfless, caring, encouraging, and loving individual.  She was always willing to give all of herself to others and to be an empathetic listener to anyone at any time. She lit up every room she entered. She was a positive role model who always saw the best in everyone and every situation.  She will be dearly missed by her friends and family.    

  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 13th at Faith Lutheran Church, Arlington Heights.

  Visitation will be from 3:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 12th and 10:00-11:00 a.m.  on Saturday, June 13th at Faith Lutheran Church, Arlington Heights.

  Another funeral service will be held on Monday, June 15th, 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Streator, Illinois.

  Visitation in Streator, Illinois will be held from 3:00-5:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 14th at the Solon-Telford Funeral Home, Streator.  Additional visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Monday June 15th at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Streator.

  Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery, Streator. 

  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to one of the following:

 (a)  Dr. Edna Bazik Endowed Mathematics Teaching Scholarship (https://giving.illinoisstate.edu/fund/dr-edna-bazik-endowed-mathematics-teaching-scholarship/) Mailing address is Illinois State University Foundation, Campus Box 8000, Normal, IL 61790-8000.  Checks should be payable to:  ISU Foundation.  In the notes section include: Dr. Edna Bazik Endowed Mathematics Teaching Scholarship 530-6106

 (b) Faith Lutheran Church, 431 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005

 (c) Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 101 Trinity Drive, Streator, IL 61364