Barbara Yates

Barbara "Barb" Elizabeth (Smith) Yates

November 20, 1931 - June 13, 2025



Barb was a lover of bluebirds, a stargazer, and a loving Irish matriarch who lived a life measured in wonder and gratitude. She came into the world in Brooklyn, New York and - thanks to a father in the Army, a husband in the Air Force, and her own restless curiosity -never stopped moving. More than 30 addresses, six children, and a half-century of Missouri sunsets later, she proved that home is less about an address than the people you choose to care for.

When her youngest child entered school, Barb became an elementary teacher, then a guidance counselor, and in retirement, a mentor to anyone who wandered into her orbit. She enrolled in an astronomy class at Missouri State University, inspiring students to look to the dark sky with wonder.

After retirement she visited classrooms and civic groups providing educational programs about the Missouri state bird, the Eastern Bluebird. Her love of this bird inspired her to put up bluebird houses, thrilled when a pair would move in. Husband Leon helped breeding efforts by once shooting a snake that had its eye trained on a nest of fledglings.

Barb was driven by a passion for sharing her love and respect for nature. For a time, she volunteered to write a column for Dallas County's Buffalo Reflex-Republican weekly newspaper, explaining conservation practices in her intelligent and insightful style. Later, as a widow, she moved to Jefferson City, where you could find her walking the Missouri Capitol hallways with the Sierra Club, doing her best to persuade legislators with both her charm and persistence.

Barbara loved cats, "The King and I," "The Sound of Music," and even enjoying Beatlemania blaring from her kids' record player. She held fond memories of the night skies over the Dallas County farm, with Leon by her side, crickets providing percussion. She tried to practice civil discourse: she wanted to know your opinion, and she wanted you to know hers.

Barbara knew sorrow - losing her third child, Steven, to meningitis; later losing parts of her memory to dementia. Yet even when words slipped away, her inner light shined with gratitude. She would often repeat: "I am so grateful."

She leaves us with marching orders to carry on her love of learning and to share your wisdom with others. Speak up for the voiceless, human or feathered.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, E. Leon Yates, Jr. and by Steven Terence Yates, her son. She is survived by her children Karen, Andrew (Laura), David, Kate (Doug), and Christopher (Anne) Yates; five granddaughters; a sister, Theresa Michelson (Bruce); nieces, nephews, and cousins; friends; a flock of former students; countless bluebird progeny; and her loving St. Louis Altenheim neighbors and caregivers.

Barb will rest with her husband at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. A short internment service is planned for Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the cemetery, 2900 Sheridan Rd, St. Louis, Missouri. Family and friends will gather at the administration building and at 10:00 AM be escorted to the gravesite by Jefferson Barracks officials. The administration building is on Jefferson Boulevard on the right after going through the main entrance. A celebration of Barbara's life is planned for Monday, August 25, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the McClung Park Indoor Pavilion, 930 McClung Park Dr, Jefferson City, Missouri. A Memorial Service will be held on January 25, 2025, from 01:00 AM to 01:30 AM at McClung Park Indoor Pavilion 930 McClung Park Dr. The event is a celebration of Barb's life.