Betty Yates

(From Parker Mortuary)

Betty Jean Yates, age 90, Joplin, passed away at 1:45 p.m. Sunday, May 5, 2019 at a local nursing facility after an illness.

Betty was born July 10, 1928 in Joplin to the late Otis York and Herma Byrd York and had lived in Joplin most of her life.

A homemaker, Betty was co-owner and operator of Yates Trackside Furniture from 1978-1988. She was a member of the Joplin Women's Club, the Young Matrons Club, the Elks Lodge #501 and a member of First United Methodist Church in Joplin. She loved playing bridge with friends, playing any chance she had. Betty and her husband loved to travel, traveling extensively in the U.S. and abroad. She was a strong matriarch of her family, a good friend to many and would give anyone the shirt off her back. Betty’s sweet, gentle spirit and smile that would light up a room will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

She married Randall Yates on March 30, 1948 in Joplin. She was a loving and devoted wife for 65 years until his death on June 17, 2013.

Betty was also preceded in death by a son, Tim Yates; a brother, Ralph York; and a sister, Renie Garrett.

She was a loving mother to two daughters, Vicky Branch and husband, Chris, Joplin, Sandy Risor, Joplin; an exceptional little sister to her brother, Lloyd York and wife, Alberta, Joplin; a remarkable Nana to her grandchildren, Ryan Branch and wife, Jennifer, Brooke Lawrence and husband, Cameron, Shane Lee and wife, Heather, Tim Yates, Spencer Yates, Tyler Yates; great grandchildren, Zach, Preston, Sierra, Robby, Loren, Hannah, Jensen, Taylor, Kelly, Jasmin, Madison, Brady and London; two great grandchildren, Asher Barlett and Greyson Yates; and several other extended family members.

Services are planned for Friday at 10:00 a.m. at Parker Mortuary. Rev. Jeff Martin will officiate. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Shane Lee, Tim Yates, Ryan Branch, Cameron Lawrence and Tyler Yates. Lloyd York will serve as honorary pallbearer. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6-7:00 p.m. at Parker Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to the Joplin Humane Society, in care of Parker Mortuary.

The care Betty received, both at home and Joplin Gardens was greatly appreciated. The family would like to thank the staff at Joplin Gardens, Kandace Logan and Avalon Hospice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.