Frances Cary Yates

Emma Frances Reynolds Cary Yates departed this world on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 104 years of age, from the Monroe City Manor Care Center where she had resided briefly after living a life full of independent spirit, strength, kindness, and generosity. Born on October 13, 1920, to James Reynolds and Emma Nancy Smith Reynolds in Odessa, MO, Frances grew up surrounded by her parents, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Known as Frances to most in Monroe City, she was called "Frank" by many in the Odessa community. Frances attended the rural schools of Centerview and Hughes from first through eighth grade and graduated from Odessa High School in 1939. She then attended Central Missouri State Teacher's College (now UCM) in Warrensburg, MO. Frances taught for two years in rural schools near Odessa before working at Remington Arms – the Lake City Arsenal – for four years during World War II. She later worked for Socony Vacuum Oil Company in Kansas City for four years before her marriage. On September 9, 1951, she married Emmet Lee Cary at the Odessa Presbyterian Church. They set up their first home in Columbia, MO, while Lee completed his final year at the University of Missouri School of Veterinary Medicine. In 1952, they moved to Monroe City, MO, where Frances helped Lee establish a large and small animal veterinary practice. Their daughter, JoLynn, was born in 1953. Frances worked alongside Lee in the veterinary practice until his death in May 1972. Frances then worked at the Monroe City R-1 Schools for 26 years in various roles, including teacher's aide, federal programs bookkeeper, junior high librarian, and secretary at the Junior High School. She retired in June 1992. She married Harry David Yates on June 16, 1984, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Monroe City. Together, they enjoyed farm life and traveling-first to Europe on their honeymoon and later throughout the United States to visit family and friends. Frances was an active member of the Monroe City Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where she transferred her membership in December 1953. She served as a Chi Rho teacher and Deaconess from 1959 through 1996, holding offices including clerk, treasurer, and vice-chairman of the Christian Church's General Board. In 1996, she was installed as a Deaconess Emeritus. Frances was deeply involved in the Christian Women's Fellowship and served on numerous church committees. Faith, family, and friends were the most important parts of her life. A skilled seamstress, she also enjoyed crafting, had a beautiful singing voice, and was known as an excellent cook and gracious hostess. Her love for her daughter and grandchildren was fierce, and her legacy of love and family will forever be remembered. Frances was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Emmet Lee Cary and Harry David Yates; an infant sister, Norma Louise; and her brothers, James Smith (J.S.) Reynolds, William (Bill) Young Reynolds, and Robert Lee (Bob) Reynolds. She is survived by her daughter JoLynn and son-in-law Steve Yates of Monroe City, MO; her grandchildren: Stephanie Jo (Curtis) Hartman of Omaha, NE; Nancy Lynn (Jim) Barcus of Kansas City, MO; Mariah Lee (Austin) Swafford of Severance, CO; and Cary Michael (Kristin) Yates of Monroe City, MO. Frances was the proud great-grandmother of Emmett Hartman, Fletcher Swafford, Jesse Barcus, Hadley Swafford, Augustus Hartman, Emma Barcus, and Juliet Swafford. She is also survived by brother-in-law Greg (Mary) Yates of Lee's Summit, MO; her stepchildren: David Yates of Monroe City, Mary Quinn of Jefferson City, Ann McClintock of Shelbina, MO, Regina Carroll of Monroe City, Steve Yates of Monroe City, MO, Helen Geyer of Lexington, SC, Dr. Daniel Yates of Spring Valley, OH, and Dr. Mark Yates of Phoenix, AZ; as well as 17 step-grandchildren and 29 step-great-grandchildren. A celebration of her life will be held at the Monroe City Christian Church on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 10 a.m., with Dr. Dave Leslie officiating. Burial will follow at St. Jude's Cemetery in Monroe City. The family will host a visitation at Garner Funeral Home in Monroe City on Sunday, October 12, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Monroe City Christian Church in Frances' honor. Arrangements are under the direction of Garner Funeral Home. May Frances rest in peace, forever remembered and forever loved.