Vada Marie Yates

August 31, 1933 - January 3, 2021

Vada Marie Yates, daughter of the late Benjamin and Lona (Daulton) Harrison was born on August 31, 1933 in Buffalo, Missouri and departed this life on January 3, 2021 at her home in Springfield, MO. At the time of her passing she was 87 years, four months, and three days of age. Vada was reared in Buffalo and graduated from Buffalo High School in 1951. She was united in marriage to Wilburn Yates in late December of 1951 and together they had five children. She went to work as a secretary for an Attorney in Buffalo before she and Wilburn opened their home as foster parents to over 35 children. Vada loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, she could always be found holding a baby or a grandchild in her lap. She was an excellent cook and was well known for her cinnamon rolls and her love for good, hot coffee. She enjoyed spending her free time crocheting and taking care of her roses. Vada was a faithful member of the Berean Baptist Church in Springfield for the past 45 years and worked in the nursery as long as her health permitted. Vada was preceded in death by her husband Wilburn; her parents; one brother, Clarence Harrison; one sister, Mary Stafford; one grandson, Casey Yates; and one granddaughter, Mikyah Yates. She is survived by three sons, Gary & wife Anita Yates of Willard, MO, Lowell & wife Carin Yates of Springfield, MO, and David & wife Kimberly Yates of Casslake, MN; two daughters, Karen & husband Bruce Mullen of Springfield, MO and Eva Yates of the home; 17 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. She also leaves other family members and many friends who will all truly miss her. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 8, 2021 in the Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home with Pastor Jeff Ables officiating. Escorts will be Eddie Yates, Paul Yates, Eldon Yates, John Yates, Jeff Stafford, and Craig Stafford. Honorary escorts will be Ron Fann, Neil Leimkuehler, Gary Boehmer, and Ronn Hobbs. Music will be provided by Brian Mills, Thad Forrester, and Jon Yates. Interment will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery under the care and direction of the Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Friday prior to the service at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Berean Baptist Church Missions Fund.