Alice H (Colquitt) Yates

On April 15, 1939, Alice Helen (Colquitt) Yates was born to James and Birchie Colquitt in Coffeyville, Kansas. She had 2 sisters – Velma Mae Colquitt and Lois Lockaby, all who preceded her in death. Alice graduated from Coffeeville High School. She was a member of the South View Church of God and later attended Harvest Time in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She was very proud of her Cherokee Heritage.

Alice met the love of her life, Don Yates, and they were married February 14, 1961. From this union, they had one son, Tony Yates. Alice worked as a legal secretary, accountant, and later joined her husband as partner at Yates Food Center in Independence, Kansas.

Alice loved her grandchildren, Jarod, Josh & Alyssa as if they were her own. They called her Naw Naw. Alice later inherited a daughter-in-law, Trica Yates, whom she loved like a daughter. Three years ago, Alice & Don decided to leave their life long residence of Coffeyville, Kansas and join their children in Sallisaw, Oklahoma.

Anything God made, Alice loved – the rivers and valleys, oceans and plains, mountains and trees, or just a cool breeze. She loved nature and wildlife and was delighted when asked to identify a tree or their leaves. She was partial to the fall color scheme and often painted depicting God’s handy work.

Flowers brightened her day, regardless if they were wild, potted or fresh. Hydrangeas were highly favored. Alice was easily entertained by the birds and their melody – of which she could also identify. Alice always had a song in her heart. She used her talent for the Lord by singing and playing the guitar. She taught Sunday School for several years. She loved her church family and spent countless hours ministering to the needs of others. She made delicious pies and specialty items, and made everyone feel special. She served as the church secretary and was charitable by example.

Alice was also a prayer warrior and seemed to have a direct line to heaven. She prayed for so many. She never wanted attention or expected recognition for any of her good deeds. She was just happy to be God’s servant. She was slow to anger – until Don and Tony mentioned buying more cows.

She loved her great grandchildren and delighted in doing crafty projects and sponsoring their love to show animals. It pleased her when the little ones requested jello-eggs at Easter and trail mix for the holidays.

Today, we celebrate the life of Alice Yates. Not only did she love Jesus, she loved like him. She will be sorely missed by her husband, Don Yates, and mother-in-law, Lillian Yates, of the home; son, Tony Yates and daughter-in-law, Trica of Sallisaw; grandchildren, Jarrod and Daniela Yates of Jenks, Oklahoma, Josh & Kaitlyn Yates of Mena, Arkansas, Aly Milligan of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Amanda & Jarod Vinson of Sallisaw, and Andrea and Ryan Farish of Bloomingrove, Texas; 7 great grandchildren, Lexie, Abbey, Bryleigh, Bryce, Maya, Harlee and Zayn, and several nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.