Kathleen Louise Ann Yates, 78, of Bryan, Ohio peacefully passed away on Friday, November 22, 2024, at The Springs of Lima, Lima, Ohio. Kathy was born April 12, 1946, in Lima, Ohio, daughter of the late Gilbert B. and Edna (Nichols) Hedrick. Kathy obtained a Bachelor of Art in Elementary Education. She was a passionate educator, teaching for 33.5 years, retiring in June 2000. Throughout Kathy’s career she taught at St. John’s Elementary School, Delphos, Ohio (1966-1967), St. Patrick Heatherdowns Elementary School, Toledo, Ohio (1967-1968), Christ the King Elementary School, Toledo, Ohio (1968-1970), Greenwood Elementary School, Toledo, Ohio (1970-1971), Bryan City Schools, Bryan, Ohio (1972-2000). Kathy married the love of her life, Lonzo Yates, on August 9, 1986, and they were happily married for 27 years, until Lonzo’s passing on June 25, 2013. Kathy was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church where she was a member of the St. Anne Circle. Kathy served as Past President of the Preceptor Sigma Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority (50 Year Member), Past Treasurer & Historian of the Laureate Delta Beta Chapter, member of National Retired Teachers Association, Ohio Retired Teachers Association, past member of Family Motor Coach Association, Ohio Nomad RV Chapter, Good Sam RV Club, and Norther Indiana Bluegrass Association. In her free time, Kathy enjoyed taking bus trips, reading, hiking, and being apart of the “CCC” – Classy Card Club.
Surviving is her brother, Dennis (Rosie) Hedrick of Delphos, Ohio; two sisters-in-law, Marilyn Hedrick of Brookeville, Indiana and Dorothy Hedrick of Delphos, Ohio; brother-in-law, Phillip McDaniel of Virginia; several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lonzo Yates; former husband, David Skilling; four brothers, Gerald Hedrick, Roger Hedrick, Louis Hedrick, and David Hedrick; one sister, Mary Ann McDaniel.
Visitation for Kathy will be held Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, 206 N. Lynn Street, Bryan. A memorial service celebrating Kathy’s life will immediately begin at 3:00 p.m. in the funeral home with Deacon Steve St. John officiating. Private inurnment will take place in Fountain Grove Cemetery, Bryan.
Memorial contributions can be directed to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Condolences may be sent to the family or memories may be shared at www.oberlinturnbull.com