Yolonda Marie "Loni" Elmo-Farwell Baby Avery Aaliyah Farwell

Yolonda Marie Elmo was born November 8, 1982 to Danny and Tammy Elmo in Yakima, Washington. The family moved to Kennewick in 1984. Loni attended Kennewick schools and graduated from Kennewick High School in 2001 where she lettered in Volleyball and Track. Loni graduated from WSU with a degree in History and received her Masters in Education from Heritage College, Toppenish, Washington. College life was adventurous and at times hilarious as attested to by her roommate and best friend, Jenny.

After graduation, Loni substituted at Highland Middle School in Kennewick and later began working at Hanford as an Operations Support Specialist, where she continued until her passing. During that time Loni was a mentor for the Sacajawea Elementary School Junior Achievement Program. Loni married Jason Farwell on Nov. 27, 2010 and became a mother to his son, Ta'lon and daughter, Janay. They made their home in Pasco.

Loni was an absolute avid reader; she loved books of all kinds and it was not unusual for her to be reading two or three novels at the same time.

Family was very important to Loni and she recently was doing internet research of her father's family history. She had a very special relationship with her mother, father and her brother Adrian. They are a very close-knit family and truly enjoyed one another's company. Loni loved to cook, especially baking. She looked forward to her weekly family dinner night with her family and Jenny and Ryan Lang.

She was an extremely loving and loyal wife, daughter, sister and friend. She had a sparkling personality that lit up the room, she was genuine and fun to be around.

Her favorite quote was one she borrowed from her mother, Tammy, "I'm not trying to keep up with nobody named Jones".

Her perfect nights were spent relaxing with her family and friends, sipping wine and playing games, maybe watching a movie.

She enjoyed camping or relaxing by the pool and recently took up golf with her husband Jason. She said "I ALWAYS enjoy some sunshine".

Loni and Jason eagerly anticipated welcoming their daughter, Avery, into their lives, as did her parents Danny and Tammy her brother "Uncle" Adrian, Jason's parents Bruce and Martha, "Aunt" Chlayne and "Uncle" Rick Fellows. Loni spent much of her time preparing for Avery's arrival, getting her room ready, arranging her closet and making her daughter a quilt.

Loni passed away Saturday, June 8, 2013 at Kadlec Medical Center.

Our sweet, beautiful baby girl Loni will be truly missed. She is survived by her husband Jason; stepchildren Ta'lon and Janay; parents Danny and Tammy Elmo; brother Adrian Elmo; grandparents Jerry and Avis Elmo and Pat Nelson; Jason's parents, Bruce and Martha Marc Farwell. She is also survived by numerous uncles, aunts and cousins, and many, many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Harvey Nelson, September 2008, and her Aunt Rosie May, March 2012.

Avery Aaliyah Farwell, a beautiful little doll, with a head full of long black hair was born in Richland, Washington to Jason and Yolonda "Loni" Farwell on June 8, 2013. She was perfect in every way. Avery was a fighter but could not overcome her battle. She passed away Monday June 10, 2013 at Kadlec Medical Center. She is survived by her father, Jason; siblings, Ta'lon and Janay; Grandparents Bruce and Martha Marc Farwell, Aunt Chlayne and Uncle Rick Fellows; Grandparents Danny and Tammy Elmo and Uncle Adrian; Great-grandparents Jerry and Avis Elmo, Pat Nelson, Art and Leotta Farrell, as well as numerous other aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her mother, Yolonda "Loni" Farwell, June 8, 2013.

A celebration of Loni and Avery's life is scheduled for Saturday, 1:00 pm, June 22 at Shilo Inn in Richland, Washington.

The Family of Loni and Avery would like to thank the Pasco Fire Department, the staff at Kadlec Emergency Hospital and the NICU for their tremendous efforts, as well as The Hanford Fire Department Family and Washington River Protection Solutions.

With a special Thank you to Hanford fire Capt. Mark A .Cope.