Grandma Candy Cane’s family to hold open house for community

A true loss for the entire Yuma community as “Grandma Candy Cane”, better known as Phyllis Yablonski, passed away on February 9 after a hard fought battle with lung cancer.

The Yuma community was sad to hear the news that Phyllis was battling cancer and questioned how they could help the tradition continue.

Lorna Olson, Phyllis’ daughter, confirmed that with the help of Grandma Candy Cane’s husband of more than forty years and the community, has pledged to keep the tradition alive.

The only thing missing will be Phyllis’ bright smile reminding visitors to take just one candy cane.

The Yablonski family, a staple in the Yuma community, began placing candy canes on the fence that surrounds their house twenty years ago. They hoped it would keep kids from destroying their Christmas decorations.

Phyllis Yablonski was more than “Grandma Candy Cane”. She served more than 30 years at Yuma Proving Grounds as an editor.

The Yablonski family is confident that her selfless personality will not be forgotten.

“A person is not truly gone until they’re forgotten and this community will not forget my mom for a really long time. So she will never truly be gone because we will never forget,” said Olsen.

Her daughter added she and her brother are truly lucky ones because they got to call Phyllis mom.

Phyllis was more than just Grandma Candy Cane she also served more than 30 years at the Yuma Proving Grounds.

She had a drawer full of candy there as well.
“My mother didn’t even like candy. That’s the ironic part of this,” said Olson.

The family will be holding an open house potluck this Sunday beginning at noon at their famous home. They add everyone is welcome to come and share their stories.