Anita Jo Yakle

Anita Jo Yakle, 64 of Mattoon, formerly of Jacksonville, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Monday, June 8, 2026. A funeral service in her honor will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at the Apostolic Center Church, 205 Country Club Road, Mattoon, IL 61938. Reverend Shine Doughty will officiate. The visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Monday, June 15, 2026, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. Born on December 22, 1961, in Springfield, IL., Anita married the love of her life, John M. Yakle, on October 28, 1996, in Jacksonville, IL. She is survived by her loving husband, John; five children: Jeremiah W. Coumbes of Jacksonville, IL, Joseph L. Yakle of Chicago, IL, Nicholas L. Stanley of New York, NY, Joshua L. Yakle of Chatham, IL (fiancé Lorenz), and Michael V. Stanley of Jacksonville, IL; one sister, Lou Allyn Byus of Jacksonville, IL; and seven grandchildren: Evan W. Coumbes of Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, Jack D. Coumbes (wife Anne) of Jacksonville, IL, Brendan M. Stanley and Bailey R. Stanley both of Quincy, IL, Benjamin W. Yakle and William G. Yakle both of Chatham, IL, and Alexander Yakle of Hannibal, MO. Anita graduated from Lanphier High School in 1979, joining the family business, The Red Coach Inn in Springfield full time thereafter. After the passing of her father Wayne, she and her mother Bertie shared in the operation of the restaurant until it closed in 2002. She later served as a Family Assistance Center Representative for the Illinois Army National Guard, supporting soldiers and their families through deployments. Her lifelong love of serving others, especially children, led to her career as a paraprofessional for the Eastern Illinois Association for Special Education, where she treasured her students in the classroom and beyond. Anita's happiest place was her yard and garden. She loved traveling to Fairfield Bay, Arkansas with John, and above all, she cherished every moment with her husband, children, grandchildren, her beloved Shelties, and her sister. Though she has left this world, Anita's selfless spirit continues to shine through the countless lives she touched and the family she adored. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in her honor or share a memory with the family.

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Anita Jo Yakle

December 22, 1961 - June 8, 2026