Natalie Susan Yanish, age 45, of Carson City, NV passed away Thursday evening, April 24, 2025 at home with her boyfriend Chris, his son Donovan, their rescue dogs Cruella and Reggie & cat Pinky. 

Natalie was a beautiful soul whose smile and infectious laugh brought joy to all those around her.

She was drawn to helping others, her door was always open and ready to cook a meal for anyone in need.  She loved animals, especially the disabled and unlovable ones, her gentle spirit would tame the wildest of creatures. 

She walked this world with a enjoyable personality that made her memorable to anyone she met. Her stories will live on forever in the hearts of her many friends. 

She was always unapologetically herself and accepted everyone as they were without judgement.

Natalie grew up in Western Colorado and attended Mesa State College where she graduated

Summa Cum Laude (honors) with a Bachelor’s in Art, Painting, Metal Sculpture, and Graphic

Design. Art was her first love. She was an accomplished painter and sculptor.

She returned to school in 2013 to earn a Master’s Degree in Communication Management from

the University of Southern California. She was a strong community advocate and devoted her life to organizations like Lake Tahoe Federal Advisory Board, Tahoe Chamber, Nevada League of Cities and Municipalities, the President of the Realtor Board for Region 3. She was also elected to represent her neighbors on the Kingsbury General Improvement District Board of Directors, where she served for 13 years. She ran for Douglas County Commissioner in 2022 and came in a close second to the seated commissioner.

Natalie loved Lake Tahoe and could often be found walking the trails or watching sunsets and politically advocating to protect it.

She was a Tahoe Derby Dame known as MashEddie and developed lifelong friendships with the women she competed with. Donations accepted https://gofund.me/15c8740a for the celebration of her life this July at Kiva Beach in South Lake Tahoe, we would love for you to join us and share her stories. 

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