Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1951
DIED
2018
Joanna Yates Obituary
Joanna was born on April 8, 1951, to Roy M. and Jeanne L. (Smith) Knoblauch in Riga, Mich. She graduated from Blissfield High School in 1969 and attended Grand Valley State University.
Joanna married Brian Yates on Aug. 21, 1982, on the beautiful grounds of the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colo. To this marriage two children were born, Colin and Caitlin. They lived in Broomfield, Colo., and St. Helena, Calif.
Joanna is survived by her husband, Brian Yates; her son, Colin (Carly) Yates; her daughter, Caitlin (Eric) Olsen; and her 3-year-old granddaughter, Jovie Yates. She is also survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Lois and Bruce McCormick; brother-in-law, Charles (Cathy) Hahn; nephews, Scott (Julie) McCormick, Patrick McCormick, Andrew (Kris) Hahn; and nieces Anne (Jeff) Gulian and Bethany (Dan) Nixon; grand nieces and nephews; her godparents, Willis and Elaine Smith; and special aunts and cousins.
Joanna was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Ruth Ann (infancy) and Marilyn Hahn; as well as special aunts, uncles and cousins.
Joanna often spoke of being baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Riga and her desire to return to Riga.
A memorial service to honor Joanna will be held at Trinity in the springtime with burial at the Riga Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joanna Yates
2 Entries
Linda and Denny Thompson
February 12, 2018
As BHS classmates, we just want to send our condolences to Joanna's family; as we keep you all in our prayers
.
Barb Eisenmann
February 12, 2018
I was so sorry to hear of Joanna's passing recently and so glad that I was able to send her the card and book in her last days to encourage her, especially since we had not been in contact for so many years. I only wish I had known sooner how hard life was for her with the M.S. she was always so sweet in High School. I will keep your family in my prayers.
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in Joanna Yates's name
Memorial Events
for Joanna Yates
How to support Joanna's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Joanna Yates's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
