Obituary for Connie Yates

Connie Lee Yates

October 9, 1937 – August 7, 2017

Connie Lee Yates, age 79, longtime resident of Ponca City, returned to her heavenly home on Monday, August 7, 2017 after a valiant battle with a long illness. Her faith in God and her devotion to her family gave her peace in her struggle.

A memorial ceremony to celebrate her life will be held at 10:30 am, Saturday, August 12, 2017 at the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Robert Montgomery and Rev. Cindy Robertson Riedel officiating. She will be laid to rest privately at Resthaven Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory.

Connie was born on October 9, 1937 to David Conard Henry and Margaret Lorraine Sullivan Henry in Flora, IL. She spent the first 12 years of her life in Flora, IL. As she was finishing the 7th grade, Connie’s family moved to Marshall, TX. Connie spent the rest of her education in Marshall before graduating high school in 1955. While in Marshall, she caught the eye of her classmate James Edwin Yates. They began dating before their senior year and were married about a year after graduation on August 25, 1956, having celebrated almost 61 years of marriage. Early in their marriage, they resided in Marshall before moving to Stillwater, OK in 1958 where James began a Master’s degree program. In 1960, Connie and James moved to Ponca City where James was employed with Conoco. As changes at Conoco occurred, Connie and James relocated to Austin, TX in 1989, where they lived until his retirement in 1993. Ponca City became their home again in retirement as a welcomed change from the hustle and bustle of Austin.

Connie was a spirited and loving woman. Family came first in all things to Connie. Grandchildren and great grandchildren brought even more joy to her life as they were added. Her times at “Grandma’s Cabin” near Lake City Colorado were cherished memories. Exploring the mountains in a Jeep or on a snowmobile kept her intrigued and smiling with James at her side. A good game of Bridge was also known to captivate Connie as she played cards and visited with her friends in Ponca City and Lake City.

Survivors include her beloved husband James Yates of the Home, adored children: Randy Yates of Oklahoma City, Gary Yates and wife Dana of Rose Hill, KS, Darren Yates and wife Kimberly of Collinsville, OK, and Tara Yeager and husband Mike of Cypress, TX; treasured grandchildren: Joshua Yates and wife Jessica of Derby, KS, Dustin Yates and Jessica Yates of Rose Hill, KS, Ethan Ritter, Jonah Yates, and Camden Yates of Collinsville, OK; dear great grandchildren: Haley Camejo, Petty Officer 3rd Class and husband Asiel, Petty Officer 3rd Class, both of NAS Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, WA, Kylee Yeager, Danielle Hooker, Alexandra Yeager, Samantha Yeager, John Yeager, and Bobby Yeager all of Cypress, TX, and Cooper Yates, of Derby, KS.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents and brother David C. Henry.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be provided to the Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, 445 N. Fairview, Ponca City, OK 74601 or the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, OMRF Development Office, 825 N.E. 13th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104.

Source: Trout Funeral Home