Yvonne Newsome passed away on January 24th, 2024, in her own home of natural causes.
Yvonne was born on May 10th, 1947, in Maber, West Virginia, after which her family moved to Michigan before finally settling in Gary, Indiana, for most of her childhood years. Shortly after graduating from Calumet High School, she would fall in love and marry Ronnie Rossie.

She would have three children with Ronnie Rossie. The oldest son, Garry Glenn Rossie, followed by her only daughter, Tiana Rossie, and then her last child, son Shane Michael Rossie. Unfortunately, the marriage with Ronnie would end in divorce. Along with raising her children she always worked and strived for better things.

After a few years she would eventually remarry an old high school friend of her older brother Garry, who was lost in his young adult life. That friend being Glenn E. Flaharty. During this time Yvonne continued in the field of cosmetology as a member of the Alpha Beta Gamma (National Business Honor Society) and would own her salon in Portage, Indiana. After more than a decade her marriage to Glenn would end.

Now a grandmother, she would continue her work in the cosmetology business working for a company named Burmax, where she worked in a multiple state territory. Yvonne excelled with this company and quickly became one of the top producers in her region that the company ever had.

Yvonne was always well read and very articulate. She was religious but cautious of big religion. Much like her view of big government. She was not to be pushed around or bullied – not even as a child. This made her a very strong woman, but she was always very caring and understanding. Full of life, love, and selflessness, the life she had is one to be admired, as later in life she would help raise two of her grandchildren.

She was a friend to all who could often be found dancing and always with a smile on her face – especially when babies were near. She loved her family immeasurably. To say that Yvonne will be missed is severely understated.

She is survived by her sisters: Joyce High and Katie Newsome; and two brothers: Tim Newsome and Chet Newsome; and her beloved children: Garry Rossie, Tiana Blair, and youngest, Shane Rossie. Her daughter would bless with four cherished grandchildren: Ciana (CeCe) Bartee, Jayana Wolak, Jamie Blair, and Jake Blair. Yvonne’s first three treasured great grandchildren would be the daughter of Jayana – Dayana Bowman followed by brothers D’Angelo Wolak and John Meyer. Ciana would bless Yvonne with what would be her last great grandchild, Jace Lee Harris. She will be fondly remembered by many extended family, and a host of friends and colleagues.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024, from 2 – 5 PM with a Celebration of life service at 5:00 PM. Calumet Park Funeral Chapel (7535 Taft Street, Merrillville). A private interment will
commence at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family or to the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter Northwest at www.alz.org/indiana. For information, call 219-736-5840.