Story and photos by Theresa-Marie Wilson

A banner with the number 12 and the words “Gone but not Forgotten” hangs on a chain-link fence during varsity softball games at Arroyo Grande High School in memory of a teammate who passed away in 2014 after battling cancer.
Charlette Yracheta, a former All League and All County shortstop, played for the Eagles before graduating in 2013, the same year she was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma.
Now, there is a permanent reminder of Char’s dedication to softball and the many lives she touched with her positive outlook on life. A blue metal bench sits near the field where she spent many hours playing the sport she loved most. On the front and back of the bench her name is inlayed in her favorite color, pink. Each end of the bench has her date of birth and death.
During the ceremony, an emotional John Welch, Char’s former coach, asked one of his players to read his remarks.
“Everyone knows we lost our softball angel to Ewing’s Sarcoma. She will never be forgotten at Arroyo Grande High School. Her infectious smile, faith, hard word ethic and never giving up attitude are memories that will live on this field forever.”
Char’s mother, Leatte Burton, thanked the crowd of about 50 people, many of them former teammates who wore pink shirts with Char’s picture on them.
“I would like to thank John because if you want something done he is your man,” Leatte said. “He worked for so long on every little detail of this bench. I don’t even have the words for how much it means that he has taken the time to do all of this out of his already more than busy schedule. I want to thank all of our extended family, our softball family, for all the love and support. It has been hard, but the day of her service I was filled with so much joy, and right now I feel joy for the people who are still here that still love her and keep her in their thoughts and prayers. I thank you all so much.”