Velma Thornton Gilland Yates, 92, of Topeka, passed away at Stormont-Vail Hospital on Friday, July 11, 2008. She was born on her parent's farm near Westmoreland on Apr. 10, 1916. She graduated from Highland Park High School. Velma lived in her home in Oakland for over 60 years. She had been a member of Family of God Churches in Topeka. She was married to Harry Gilland and after Harry passed on, married Rev. Tivis Yates. Tivis preceded her on July 24, 2006. Survivors include her brother, Alvin Thornton and wife June of Des Moines, WA; nieces and nephews, James Thornton of E. Windsor, NJ, Stephen Thornton of Chehales, WA, Norma Thompson of Pawnee City, NE and DeLoris Howard and husband John of Topeka; step-son, Tivis Yates and wife Terry of Mechanicsburg, OH and her grandchildren and great-nieces and great-nephews. Mrs. Yates was cremated. Graveside inurnment services will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, July 15th at Rochester Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Organization of the Donors Choice and left in care of Davidson Funeral Home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Topeka Capital-Journal on Jul. 13, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Velma Yates

3 Entries

Marilyn and Jamey Reimer

July 16, 2008

Although we did not know her as well as you did, there are fond memories of her for us as well. We are so sorry for her loss, but she is with Grandpa now and having a great time, free of pain and sorrow and loneliness. Thanks, Velma, for your kindness to us.

Terry Yates

July 15, 2008

You were my friend, my teacher, my shoulder to cry on.
Thank you for all that you taught me through the years.
You were never my mother-in-law.
YOU ARE MY MOM.

Nikki Hemenway (Yates)

July 13, 2008

My grandma was a loving wife, mother and grandma; who will forever be remembered in a very beautiful and cherished way

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Velma Thornton Gilland Yates

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