Yates, Betty Jean 1933-2011

YATES, TISH, ENNIS, WILLIAMSON, COCANOUGHER, ALVEY, BELCHER, WYATT

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 4/8/2011 at 19:28:01

Contributed by and posted for Gordon Thompson

BETTY YATES

Betty Jean Yates, born Dec. 1, 1933, joined our Heavenly Father on Tuesday, Jan 18, 2011, after a long struggle with cancer.

Betty was preceded in death by her father, Walter Howland Tish; her mother, Mary Elizabeth Tish; and her brother William Walter Tish.

She is survived by Kyle Yates, son and wife, Wilma; Clayton Yates, son; LeAnn Ennis, daughter and husband, Jerry; Terri Williamson, daughter and husband, Ray; Trace Yates, son; grandchildren Karyn Yates, Laura Yates, Eric Cocanougher, Alyssa Alvey, Jacque Cocanougher, Brett Cocanougher, Alicia Williamson, Emily Ennis, Adrienne Belcher, Haily Ennis, Joely Ennis and Lindsey Yates; a sister-in-law, Lucille Tish; a nephew, Bill Tish; and two nieces, Linda Tish and Sue Wyatt.

Betty was known as Ms. Betty and Ms. Yates by many in the community through Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, her swim students, her involvement in the Arkansas River Valley Arts and Crafts Club and Central Presbyterian Church. She was known for her encouragement and never allowing her family, friends or students to say the words, "I can't." The "I can't" always turned into, "I'll try."

She was an inspiration to many through her long struggle with cancer. She made it nine and a half years never complaining of the chemo or radiation. And even after a struggle with losing movement in her leg after seven years of cancer, she went on a mission trip to Mexico. She later found out the cancer had moved to her brain which was the cause of loss of movement in her leg. Nothing could get in her way...slow her down maybe...but not stop her. She was a "fighter" to the end.

She made many friends through the years and will long be remembered for her volunteer work, her crafts, the metal roses that she so loved to make, and by the many people she helped, taught, encouraged and inspired. Yes, Ms. Betty will be missed, but she'll live on in the lives and hearts of others.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 21, at the Central Presbyterian Church in Russellville with the Rev. Brian Brock officiating. Burial will be in Rest Haven Memoral Park by Lemley Funeral of Atkins.

Visitation will be from 6-8 tonight.

Pallbearers are Brett Cocanougher, Bill Tish, Trenton Tish, Steve Isom, Jeff Stinson, Taylor Rose and Chris Kriesel.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, c/o Judy Murphy, 126 Lakeview Circle, Russellville, AR 72802

Online obituary and condolences are available at www.lemleyfuneral.com.