Barbara Ann Yates

Barbara Ann Yates passed away peacefully on the evening of March 14, 2011. Barbara was born December 8, 1938 in Washington, D.C. to Ezra Marriott and Rula Kemp Parry. She spent her younger years in Arlington, VA where she graduated from Washington-Lee High School then onto Brigham Young University in Provo, UT where, (while carpooling home on school holiday) she met the love of her life, Stanford Stoker Yates. Barbara and Stanford immediately knew their love was like none-other and married In Arlington, VA on August 18, 1960.

While Barbara went on to major in fashion design, her true passion was literature. Barbara and Stanford would spend hours sitting on the back porch, cups of coffee table-side, reading and writing poetry. One of her favorite poems was written by Alfred, Lord Tennyson- I hold it true, what’er befall; I feelit when I sorrow most; tis better to have loved and lost: than never to have loved at all.

Each Christmas Barbara would compose a beautiful letter that was anticipated by all who were lucky enough to receive them. These letters weren't about the comings and goings of the past year but about a moment of time, a reflection of life, or an appreciation of something beautiful. Barbara found so much beauty in the simple things in life and had a magical talent for putting these observations into words. Her letters will be missed; the ones written will be savored and shared for years to come.

In 1966 Barbara and Stanford's circle of love grew larger with the cherished adoption of their only daughter, Melissa. Barbara was a loving and nurturing parent, always filling the home with the fragrance of gourmet cooking, stylish decor, and eager to give hugs and kisses.

Barbara loved and cherished so many things in life. She enjoyed playing bridge with an amazing group of ladies for the past 30 years. She loved to entertain. She loved lying in bed reading on the weekends while listening to the birds chirping just outside her window.

Mostly, Barbara loved her family and friends, for over 40 years, the R.E.G.Y.S were Barbara’s best friends from Minnesota. A special group of ladies with a unique bond. They raised their family’s together, attended weddings and traveled together.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Ezra an Rula and beloved husband of 50 years, Stanford. She is survived by her daughter, Melissa Ann Schmidt and grandchildren Taylor Ann Coleman and Jeffery Tyler Schmidt of Austin, TX, her sister, Tecia Lance of St George, UT and her four furry friends that kept her company when no one was around Zoey, Trilby, Opey-Taylor and Pippa.

The family is so grateful to friends and associates who have been so helpful and supportive during this difficult time. A special thank you to Mary who was Barbara’s caregiver and friend for the past several years.

Friends and acquaintances wishing to call on the family are invited to do so on Saturday, March 26th, 2011, between the hours of 1:00 and 4:00pm at Barbara’s home in Circle C Ranch.

The family requests anyone desiring to make memorial donations to please do so to: PAWS of Austin, TX 78736 o Best Friends Animal Society @ 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, UT 84741-5000.