Melanie Ann Yarian, age 17, died at her home in Auburn, IN at 1:15 p.m. Saturday, October 18, 2008 following a valiant 6-year battle with cancer, loved ones were at her side as she passed peacefully to be with her Lord. She was born on June 26, 1991 in Aunurn, IN to Lawrence G. Yarian and Joy A. (Hayes) Yarian. Melanie was a junior at DeKalb High school and prior to her illness enjoyed dancing and playing the piano. Her greatest wish was to be able to return to school and her love for whales and dolphins was the inspiration for many art and science projects. Her greatest joy was to swim with the dolphins. A gift or card from Melanie was often hand-crafted, as she took pleasuer in a variety of activities including scrap-booking, sewing and textiles, painting and jewelry making. She loved the theater and ballet and possessed a passion for nearly every kind of music. She was a member of Concord United Methodist Church - rural Auburn. Visitation will take place from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, October 21, 2008 and 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at Thomas Funeral Home. Services will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at Thomas Funeral Home with Rev. Heather Berkshire officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Melanie Ann Yarian Scholarship Fund, c/o DeKalb County Community Foundation. Survivors include: Mother - Joy (Hayes) Yarian, Auburn, IN Father - Lawrence G. Yarian, Auburn, IN Brother - Matthew S. Yarian, Auburn, IN Brother - Lawrence "Larry" Yarian II, Auburn, IN Grandparents - John and Sharon Hayes, St. Joe, IN Great Grand Mother - Evelyn Muck, Auburn, IN Preceded in death by: Grandparents - Donald and Alice Yarian