Natalie Susan Yanish, age 45, of Carson City, Nevada, passed away Thursday evening, April 24, 2025, at home with her boyfriend Chris Hoffman, his son Donovan, their rescue dogs Cruella and Reggie, and cat Pinky at her side.
Natalie was a beautiful soul whose smile and infectious laugh could be heard a mile away. She loved helping others, her home with Will Davenport was always welcoming, and she would cook a delicious meal for anyone. She loved animals, especially the disabled and unlovable ones, her gentle spirit would tame the wildest of creatures. She was always unapologetically herself.
Our favorite quote of hers is, “I agree completely…with myself!”
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 the Lake Tahoe Federal Advisory Board, the Tahoe Chamber, and the Nevada League of Cities and Municipalities. Natalie was the President of the Realtor Board for Region 3. She was 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, watching sunsets and advocating to protect it.
She was a member of the Tahoe Derby Dames roller derby team and was known as “MashEddie” and developed lifelong friendships with the women she competed with. Donations are being accepted at https://gofund.me/15c8740a for a celebration of her life this July at Kiva Beach in South Lake Tahoe. Friends would love for those who knew Natalie to join them at that time and share their stories about her.