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BORN
1935
DIED
2013
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Sarah Yates Obituary
Sarah was born Jan. 21, 1935, at home in Houston County, Tenn., to Robert and Myrtle (Bull) Spears, and lived on her family's farm until she went to work in Dickson, Tenn., to help support her father's legacy, the "Family Farm."
She married the love of her life, Dudley M. Yates, on Sept. 24, 1955. They shared 58 years of love and life; they have three children, Bobby, Dennis and Denise, plus countless others who grew up thinking of Sarah as mom.
As an Air Force wife, Sarah made a home for her family in Kentucky, Alabama, Texas, Colorado and Alaska, making friends and "family by choice" everywhere she lived.
Upon Dudley's retirement from the Air Force in 1973, the family moved back to Alaska. Sarah and Dudley eventually built their dream home in Salcha; a home where friends and family could always find a cup of hot coffee or a glass of Sarah's sweet tea, along with lots of love and kind words.
Sarah was love in human form; she lived for her family, with love and kind words for others and a tune to hum as she went throughout her day, and a pocket-full of quarters for her "little angels" to get candy from a machine.
Sarah is preceded in death by her parents, Robert R. and Myrtle Bull Spears; two sister's, Irene Adkins and Betty Jean Ellis; and one niece, two nephews and two great-grandbabies.
Sarah is survived by her husband of 58 years, Dudley M. Yates, of Salcha; sons, Bobby (Pinie) Yates, of North Pole; Dennis (Debbie) Yates, of Midland, Texas; daughter, Carolyn Denise (Donnie) Carson, of Salcha; grandchildren, Roseanna (Richard) Smith, of Indiana; Amy (Russell) Bragg, of Texas; Jennifer Babington, of Tennessee; Jennie (Joe)Villegas, of Louisiana; Mike (Lyndsey) Yates, of Texas; Kristie Jo Yates, of Alaska; Donnie (Gwen) Carson Jr., of Alaska; R. Joey Yates, of Alaska; Annie (Ian Hadlock) Carson, of Alaska; 17 great-grandchildren; brother, Billy Ray (Betty) Spears; sisters, Lillie (Kenneth) Baggett, Faye (Robert) Cripps, and Patricia (Vernon) Kouns; numerous nieces and nephews; and a long list of lifetime family friends.
A memorial service for Alaska family and friends will be at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Salcha Senior Center on Johnson Road in Salcha.
Visitation was held from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday,
Oct. 12 at the Nave Funeral Home in Erin, Tenn. Service was at 2 p.m. and burial followed at the Tatum Cemetery near Yellow Creek.
Arrangements were entrusted to Fairbanks Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sarah Yates
The Hunter Family
October 16, 2013
We are so sorry to learn that Mrs. Yates has passed. We send our most sincere condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones.
RET TSGT KIT R WALKER
October 15, 2013
as long time friend of Dudley I ment a most wounderful lady her nam was always ma we use to talk on cbs back when have shared many hours with both them her loss will be a great lost for all her friends and family here in north pole and salcha when we seen each other in any stores I would always hug her and give a small kiss and we chat for 30 mins or so miss sarah I will miss u love to dudely and family
Jacque & Barry Beck
October 15, 2013
Dudley, Denise and the entire Yates family, we send our condolences. Sarah was one of the sweetest ladies I have met in a long time. She seemed so happy each time I saw her...even at the Roadhouse a few days before she went into the hospital she was laughing and having a good time. She will be missed by many. RIP Sarah, I for one will miss your smiling face.
Susan Parsons
October 14, 2013
To my Alaska mother, Myself and my family (especially twinkletoes) will miss you. You were always there for me. I know God has you in his loving arms. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dudley, Bobby, Dennis, Denise, and all their families. Love Susie
Scott&Cheryl Casey
October 13, 2013
We are sorry to hear about Sarah our thoughts and prayers are with you.
KristinaJo Yates
October 13, 2013
Grandma,
You are now our beautiful guardian angel, smiling down upon our craziness!! You are greatly missed, but will forever live on in our hearts. I will cherish every photo and good memory we shared. Love you and I know you are taking care of my nephew and other family/friends above!
Love, KJNAJ
Dell Jankowski
October 13, 2013
We will miss you. Our thoughts & prayers to all who loved you so much. We will be reunited later.
All our love from one of your military families, Tom (dec) & Hilda Scott, Charles Kokel & family, Dell Jankowski & family, Billy Scott & family, and James Scott & family
Kenneth Self
October 12, 2013
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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