Melba J. "Jean" Yefko, 77, of North Utica, formerly of Clinton, passed away Monday, May 2, 2011 at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center, New Hartford. Jean was born July 19, 1933 in York Township, Kansas, the daughter of Shelby and Frances Cutbirth. She was raised and educated in Garden City, Kansas and a graduate of Garden City High School. In 1952, Jean joined the US Army, serving her country during the Korean War. She was employed with Upstate Home Care in Clinton until her retirement. Jean is survived by three daughters and a son-in-law, Stephanie and Lance Croman, Westmoreland, Janet Slaga and her fiance, Thomas Knapp, Deerfield, Karen Gallagher, Florida; seven grandchildren, Adam, Ronnie, Heather, Kathy, Becky, David, and Chad; two great grandchildren, Ryan and Ian; two sisters and a brother-in law, Emma Lou and Laverne McKey, Texas, Patsy Gibbs, Kansas. She is predeceased by one brother, Shelby F. Cutbirth. Ms. Yefko's memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 5, 2011 at 7:00 pm at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., North Utica with Father Stephen Enea presiding. Interment, in Crown Hill Memorial Park, will take place at the convenience of the family. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home Thursday evening, from 5 - 7 pm, prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may donate to the Rome Humane Society in Jean's memory.