Aubrey Lenee (Yike) Hartman

Aubrey Lenee (Yike) Hartman, age 40 of Mishawaka, passed away at the Center for Hospice, Raclin House on Sunday, June 11, 2023.  Aubrey was born March 7, 1983, in Mishawaka.  She was a graduate of LaSalle High School and later attended Ivy Tech. Aubrey worked most recently with Home Comfort Experts. On July 21, 2018, she married Sean Hartman in South Bend (Though she was absolutely convinced their anniversary was in June, much to Sean’s chagrin).

Sean survives, along with her parents, Kenny and Janie Yike, her sisters Rachel and Marissa Yike, all of South Bend, her grandfather George Davis, her in-laws, David and Kathryn Hartman of Camby, Indiana, her sister-in-law Melanie (Jason) McCool of Plainfield, Indiana, her brother-in-law Jeff Hartman of Anderson, and her best friend for life, Val Woodcox of Niles, Michigan.  Her “chicken gravy dealer” (also known as her grandmother), Joan Davis, preceded her in death, as well as her paternal grandparents, Keith and Sue Yike.

Aubrey will be remembered as a beacon of joy. Her warm smile, boundless gratitude, and sincere compliments for everyone she encountered, always uplifted those around her. Her remarkable ability to stay positive, even during the most difficult times, was a testament to her inner strength and unwavering faith and she became a shining example of finding joy in the midst of adversity. Her selflessness knew no bounds. After the passing of her grandmother, Aubrey moved in with her grandfather, George, and many hilarious shenanigans ensued, and the two developed an unbreakable bond.

Aubrey loved to explore the area for new restaurants and was the go-to person for recommendations on the best places to eat.  She was gifted with artistic talents and painted personalized crafts and cards for her friends and family, and always sought opportunities to learn how to make something new. Aubrey loved spending time with animals, especially "Sunny the Gimpy Mare," and her retired racing greyhound, Whick. She also enjoyed walking her dogs on the Mishawaka Riverwalk and making friends with passersby. She hoped to one day swim with manatees.

Aubrey always looked to create connections and foster love. Her tender heart and genuine concern for others were evident as she sponsored a child through Compassion International for over 10 years. She had a keen eye for noticing anything off with her loved ones, and always sought to comfort them with her signature humor.

Even in her final months, she continued to put others before herself, showing love and care to those helping her. Her compassion and thoughtfulness were extraordinary. Aubrey was a true friend, always ready with a lighthearted joke or a witty remark to brighten someone's day. Her wonderful sense of humor and infectious laughter brought joy to those fortunate enough to know her. She was an excellent, if not long-winded, storyteller, and had a talent for making everyone laugh, even if it wasn’t appropriate – especially if it wasn’t appropriate! It was never a dull moment with Aubrey, and the world is richer for having her light.

A celebration of Aubrey’s life will be held at 11:00am Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Northpoint Vineyard Church, 2313 Solomon Ave, South Bend, IN , where friends and family are invited to share stories of Aubrey’s life. Wells and Cruz Family Funeral Home (formerly Goethals and Wells) of Mishawaka has been entrusted with her arrangements. Her family requests that guests dress in a manner befitting Aubrey’s personality – fun, bright, and bold.

In her memory, donations may be made to the Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545, or to Reins of Life, 55200 Quince Road, South Bend, IN 46619.  To light a virtual candle, share a story of Aubrey’s life, or leave a message of comfort for her family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.