Kathy Lee Yates

A 76-year resident of western Washington and 48-year resident of Tenino, Kathy was born April 4, 1949 in Olympia, WA in the Old Saint Peter’s Hospital to Patricia Ann (Davis) Needham and Gordon Neal Needham. She passed away at the age of 76 on December 17, 2025 at the new Saint Peter’s Hospital in Olympia, WA. Kathy grew up in Tenino and East Olympia. She later graduated from Auburn High School in 1967. She started work with the State of Washington in Olympia in 1968. She later met and married David Nolan Yates in 1968 and had one son Eric Lynn Yates in 1969. They lived in Olympia and then later their current home in the Silver Creek area of Tenino since 1977.

Kathy was an avid artist, gardener and reader. In her art, she was able to capture beautiful scenes in many formats such as watercolors, oils, pastels and scratchboards that would often look as real as a photograph. She had many pieces that were exhibited and won awards in places such as the Puyallup Fair and local contests. She loved to create art for friends and family. Kathy had a true love for gardening and the trees at their home which had many landscaped areas boasting beautiful flowers. At home, if she wasn’t gardening, painting or cooking, she was usually found with her nose in a book reading in the car or her favorite chair.

Kathy worked for Department of Social and Health Services for many years in various positions before retiring for the first time with 30 years as a Research Analyst in January 1998. She later went back to work with DSHS at their request for several more years before retiring a second time.

Kathy was a devoted mother, extremely kind and caring, and intelligent. She never had a bad thing to say about anyone and had so many friends and family that adored and cared for her.

Kathy is proceeded in death by her parents Gordon Neal Needham and Patricia Ann Davis, four of her older brothers and sisters (Jerald Needham, Cleda Miller, Thomas Needham, David Needham). She has one remaining younger sister, Maryann Cresto, and beloved husband, David, her son, Eric Yates, all who she loved dearly, and dozens of nieces and nephews.

Kathy faced significant challenges in her senior years being diagnosed with advanced Alzheimer’s. Her good nature and caring never changed throughout her struggles. Rather than flower remembrances, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association, Washington Chapter https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate

Kathy will be laid to rest at Mills and Mills Memorial Park in Tumwater, Washington in the Spring of 2026 with a graveside service for friends and family to be determined at a later date.