Melissa Fiona Yazzie

Melissa Fiona Yazzie, age 38, passed away on Friday, December 8, 2023, in Farmington, New Mexico. She was born in Shiprock, New Mexico to Louise and Douglas Yazzie. Melissa is preceded in death by her father, Douglas Yazzie and her grandmothers, Bessie Woody, and Edith Bedonie. She is survived by her mother, Louise Yazzie. Her son, McKenzie Jim and her daughters, Mya Jim, Madison Jim and her oldest daughter, Taylor Tsosie. Her brother, Russell Yazzie and sister, Lisa Kee. Her nieces, Chastity Yazzie, Melanie Kee, and Tishena Yazzie. Her nephews, Ethan Edwards, and Warren Yazzie.

Melissa graduated from the Navajo Preparatory School in Farmington, New Mexico. Then afterwards she studied at San Juan College in Farmington, NM for a year. During this time was when her first daughter was born, Taylor Tsosie, on January 21, 2005. She had several different jobs with her first few jobs in customer service then leading into Home Healthcare work starting at Southwestern Home Care. Then came the birth of Melissa’s second child, McKenzie Jim, on November 23, 2008. 2 years later Melissa gave birth to Madison Jim, on July 29, 2010. Melissa then became employed with Generations Personal Care while also working for Wal-Mart. Melissa then gave birth to her last child, Mya Jim, on March 15, 2014. Melissa stayed on with Generations Personal Care where she was a caregiver to her aunt, Mary Woody for approximately 12 years.

Melissa liked going on walks and going to the casino with her mom and aunt, Mary. Her favorite type of food to eat was New Mexican, especially enchiladas. When she had time to cook, she liked to cook various kinds of casseroles and chicken alfredo. She also liked to bake cakes and cookies. Melissa was always mildly interested in fishing but then she would go back to think about the last time she went fishing with her brother at San Juan River. She remembered it was hot and mainly a lot of waiting around. This is when she would remember how boring it really was. She was interested in fishing because her siblings really love and enjoy it.

Melissa was not into playing sports when she was growing up, but she did have a favorite football team which was the Kansas City Chiefs, maybe that’s why she liked red hues like maroon. She liked tattoos, country music, playing board games for hours and she loved animals. She has had cats, dogs, birds, rabbits and even a praying mantis at one point.

Melissa will be terribly missed, especially by her children who she loved being with, Taylor, McKenzie, Madison, and Mya.

In loving memory of Melissa Yazzie, may you rest in peace.