Debra Jean Yates, 64, of Lenexa, Kansas passed away at Olathe Medical Center surrounded by her loving family on Monday, April 28, 2025. She will forever live in our hearts as a loving sister, beloved aunt, great aunt and friend to everyone she knew.
Debra was born on October 22, 1960 in Jefferson City, Missouri to Bobby Lee and Doris Jean (Renn) Yates. She attended and graduated from Olathe North High School “Class of 1979”. She worked for the city of Lenexa in Municipal Services as an Administrative Assistant. She took control and responsibility of the business side of the department managing what needed to be done and working alongside her fellow co-workers whom she considered to be her extended family. After working forty-three years for the city, Debra retired in November of 2023.
Debra enjoyed spending time with her family, especially shopping with her niece Brooke. Afterwards they would stop and eat Chinese. Debra also enjoyed spending time with her nieces and nephews. She loved each and everyone of them as if they were her own. Some of her favorite pass times were playing cards and reading books.
Debra is preceded in death by her parents Bob and Doris Yates and her niece Tamra Lynn who passed away in December of 2021. She is survived by her sister Lynda Reeves and her husband Glen Reeves of Olathe, Kansas, brothers Rick Yates and his wife Wanda of Sacramento, California and Bryan Yates of Olathe, Kansas. She will be sadly missed by her loving niece Brooke Woods and her husband Brett of Raymore, Missouri along with nine nephews, Shaun Reeves, Kenny Ogden, Brian Ogden, Justin Yates, Mason Yates, Jaiden Cole, Jackson Cole, Grady Jackson and Graysen Jackson, three nieces Lexi Govro (Jacob), Amara Reeves, Aryanna Reeves and one great niece Lily Govro. Debra also leaves behind several cousins and, not to forget to mention, her work family.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday morning May 3, 2025 at the McGilley & Frye Funeral Home 105 East Loula Street Olathe, Kansas. Interment in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens 13901 South Black Bob Road Olathe, Kansas. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Friday evening May 2, 2025 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions “In Loving Memory of Debra Jean Yates” may be made to Wayside Waifs Animal Shelter 3901 Martha Truman Road Kansas City, Missouri 64137.
Condolences may be offered at www.McGilley-Frye.com
