Laura "Bernie" Yates

“Bernie” was born in Waldron, Arkansas to Victor and Frankie Williams. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Buford Williams, her loving husband Charles Garland Yates and her beloved son Charles Garland Yates, Jr. She was cherished and surrounded by her large loving family. Sister “daughter” Ellen (Dick) Niday, daughter-in-law Betty Yates, daughter Janis (Connie) Bozarth, son Robert (Lorene) Yates, Sr., and Gordon (Helen) Yates, Sr. Grandmother of 12, Charlie Yates, Mary Posten, Russ Cleland, Bob Cleland, Bob Yates, Patty Stilling, Lesley Field, Laura Myers, Gordon Yates, Jr., Rick Painter, Mike Painter and Frank Painter. Devoted great grandmother of 27 and great great grandmother of 13 with one on the way and one special niece, Nancy (Joe) Wolf.

Garland and Bernie married on May 27, 1939 in Arkansas and then traveled to California with her children and her parents. They traveled in a Model T with a mattress on top during the dust bowl and found work in California and ended up settling in Pleasant Valley, then later retired in the Smith Flat area.

Bernie worked at the Old County Hospital in Placerville as a nurse’s aid and later the food service manager at the El Dorado Nursing Home. She was a proud member of the Placer Heights Baptist Church. She loved traveling with her husband, spending time with her family and playing games.

Bernie will be sadly missed by all whose lives she touched. She was the Matriarch of our family who led and guided us in our daily lives. She had the ability to listen and give advice that was always appreciated.

All are invited to attend Funeral Services on Friday, June 8, 2012 beginning with a visitation at 10 am followed by services at 11 am at the Placer Heights Baptist Church, 2954 Schnell School Road in Placerville. Entombment will follow services at the Placerville Union Cemetery on Bee Street. Friends may sign an electronic guestbook and leave condolences at www.chapelofthepinesfunerals.com. Arrangements entrusted to Chapel of the Pines Funeral Home, Placerville.