Grandma Candy Cane’s memory lives on

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KSWT, FOX 9) - Just one street away from Yuma's Candy Cane Lane, the lights are up and the kids are hopping out of cars to visit one very special home in the neighborhood.

For years it was a source of both sweet treats and sweet holiday memories.

But that was before the community lost the beloved woman who once lived here.

“People have been bringing them and putting them out,” said Don Yablonski, Grandma Candy Cane's husband.

It's the first Christmas without Grandma Candy Cane, but the chain link fence is still full and the Yuma community is coming together to make the holidays special for her husband.

“I had one little one come up. I think it was last night. She made me a Christmas card,” explained Yablonski. “Thanked me for the candy canes on the front was a tree.”

He said he thanks those who drop by since his wife is no longer here.

“I watch out the window and if they take more than one I’ll open the door," said Yablonski.

A much different scene from last year, Grandma candy cane passed away early this year after battling cancer.

Her husband thinks Phyllis still watches the visitors and reminds them of her one rule.

“Well what she’s told them over the last 27 years you know, “take one a day,” said Yablonski.

The tradition began when grandma candy cane and don moved into the home. They didn’t want the neighborhood children to destroy their holiday decorations, but they also didn't want to destroy their holiday spirit. So grandma gave them a reason to stop at the fence if only to pick up a single candy cane.

She may be gone, but her neighbors have kept up the tradition, and Don thinks it's wonderful.