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Visitation: 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora
A graveside ceremony will follow in Elmwood Cemetery.
Velma Lucille “Sue” Yates, age 88, of Flora, Illinois, passed away peacefully Friday morning, May 13, 2022, at HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham.
She was born December 10, 1933, in Braman, Oklahoma, the daughter of Floyd O. and Cora (Lackey) Birkes. She was united in marriage to Ivan D. Yates on May 24, 1951, in Lawrenceville, and together they shared 62 wedding anniversaries until his death January 7, 2014.
She was born the 7th of 9 children, with 4 sisters and 4 brothers. Her dad lovingly nicknamed her Sue when she was just a baby, the name stuck, and that is what most people have always known her by. She worked at Sparton Manufacturing for 27 years and was a member of the Clay County Hospital Auxiliary.
She is survived by a daughter: Lana Forsythe of Decatur; a son: Brad Yates of Flora; grandchildren: Michael Bowen (Rob), T.J. Forsythe, Steven Forsythe (Mithila), Courtney Jackson, Ashley Hughes (David), and Jeff Yates (Bridget); great-grandchildren: Colin, Jaydon, Jazzlyn, Jaxson, Christian, Keelie, Emily, and Austin; 2 sisters-in-law: Gale Birkes of Texas and Wilma Yates of Fairfield; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Ivan Yates; a daughter: Marsha Renee Yates; 4 brothers; and 4 sisters.
A special thank you to the staff at Lavender Ridge in Effingham for the loving care given over the past 4 years and to the staff at St. Anthony’s Hospital for making her last days peaceful.
A visitation will be held from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. A graveside ceremony will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that you call, visit, or hug your loved ones, life it too short. To share a memory or condolence, visit: www.frankandbright.com
May 31, 1946 - Apr 20, 2024
Aug 8, 1939 - Apr 18, 2024
Jul 20, 1934 - Apr 14, 2024
Nov 1, 1976 - Apr 13, 2024
Aug 31, 1955 - Apr 12, 2024
Lana & Brad, we are so sorry for the loss of your mother, one of the hardest things in life we experience. Thank God for giving us memories and the shedding of tears. May your momma rest in peace and once again be by your daddy side. Hugs and prayers to you and yours.
Lana and Brad, we are thinking about you at this difficult time. Your mother and father both played an important role as neighbors and friends throughout my childhood. They were also very supportive and kind to my mother as a widow with two young daughters. Sue continued to be a great friend to Mom through the years. We will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Sue was such a sweetheart! Always enjoyed talking with her when we passed while walking the neighborhood.💕
We are saddened by the loss of your Mother. She was fine person. Remember the good times. She is in a much better place now. With your Dad family and friends. She is at peace.
Heartfelt condolences on the loss of your mother, Brad.
I worked with Sue at Sparton Mfg. She was always so sweet to all her coworkers. Praying for peace and comfort for the family.
My thoughts and prayers for the entire family.
Oh gee so sorry. I loved her dearly.
So sorry. The last I spoke to her she seemed kinda upset.. so I told her how much she and Ivan had meant to me and alot of people . She said thank u. So sorry to all.. God bless..
So sorry I cannot be there, but please know I am with the family in spirit in this difficult day. All my best.
Sorry for you're loss. They were good neighbors and friends!
My sympathies to your family. I am the hairdresser at Lavender Ridge and enjoyed Sue immensely. Always a joy. She will be dearly missed. Prayers for you and your family.
Lana, Brad and family-We are so sorry to hear that Aunt Sue has passed. She was always very sweet to us kids growing up. We didn't see her often but I always enjoyed talking with her. In later years, it was nice to see her on Facebook and we would send each other comments. I have missed seeing her these last few years but I will always remember her kindness. Love to all.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
