Elizabeth Lee Yates

Betty is survived by her two sons Frank Yates (Janice) and Robert Yates (Julia), five grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter Diane Elizabeth Yates.

Betty was born September 23, 1929 in Los Angeles, CA to James and Elizabeth Patterson. She grew up with three loving sisters Margie, Dorothy and Mildred, and the four Patterson girls remained close throughout their lives. With Betty’s passing, the Patterson girls are again united within the friendly confines of God’s kingdom.

Betty was a faithful member of the congregation at Wesley Methodist Church in South Sacramento for over 60 years. She regularly expressed love to her church, family, coworkers, and community by sharing wonderfully baked goods including cakes, pies, cookies, brownies and other sweet treats. If you were organizing a potluck and you wanted your guests to have an amazing meal, you automatically signed Betty up to bring the desserts.

Having been divorced from the father of her children when Frank, Robert, and Diane were still young, she committed her life to her God, her children, and her work. She was employed for the bulk of her career at California’s Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS) before retiring as a supervisor. Her ability to work a full-time job and independently raise three children is a telling testament to her strength, determination, and love. She was a powerful force of good and will be missed by all whose lives she touched.

Betty was also gifted with a sewing machine and a crochet needle. Her family is blessed to have received many handmade blankets, doilies, and other keepsakes over the years that will forever be a reminder of the power of practice and patience, and the forever bonds of a family’s love.

A funeral service for Elizabeth will be held Friday, November 22, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Sacramento Memorial Lawn, 6100 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95824.