Steffanie Yates

Steffanie Michelle Yates, also known as Angel Powers in her childhood, died at 52, on September 2nd, 2022 in Colorado Springs, CO. She was born April 15th, 1970 in Topeka, Kansas to parents Robin Rae Brown and Michael Steven Powers. She was predeceased by her father and her husband Joe. Steff's work history began very early in Estes Park, while in middle school. She always had a summer job, starting at 12, as a restaurant busser. She did maid work in her teens, had several food related gigs, and while in high school worked in the local movie theater, and for the NPS, Rocky Mt. Park, a job she was most proud of. Steff always enjoyed and excelled in office work, but her gregarious nature really shone through in her capacity as receptionist. She worked at Goodyear, Volt Temp Agency, a number of years

for Progressive Insurance, and IntelliTec College. In 2011 she was diagnosed with MS and left her long work years behind, beginning the difficult task of learning to live with the limitations of a disease with many physical challenges. She handled it with so much grace, courage, and stoicism, and always kept her ability to find the fun in any situation. Throughout her lifetime, and even as a child, Steff was known by all for her trademark wit. Rarely a day went by when those she encountered would not get a belly laugh from a quick retort, or she got a comment assuring her she ought to go pro with her humor. She was just that funny. One night midway through her MS journey she showed up for a try on stage at Loonees Comedy Corner here in the Springs. They invited her back, gave raves, and couldn't believe it was her first time. We were all so proud that she'd had the courage to do it, as she was.

Other things that entertained her were always guessing a person's astrological sign (she was almost always right) and playing the "guess the song title" with anyone around while listening to whatever was on the radio. Even while MS could slow some thought processes, she was lightning quick with the answer, winning her challenge. She got a kick out of her tattoo conversations with strangers, while displaying her own, and giving their meaning. Especially her final one: " I will die loving this woman" written in her husband Joe's handwriting and with his ashes in the ink, next to her heart inside her left arm. She really loved the uniqueness of that one.

She was so good at juggling being a fulltime employee and a devoted funny, funny mom to Cody, and Makenna. She and Joe had so many great times: holidays, dancing to the BEE GEES in the kitchen, family camping trips, many BBQS & lots and lots of movies enjoyed by the whole family. Cody shared his mom's wickedly smart sense of humor, a strong bond for the two of them. Makenna and Steff did all the girly things together that moms and daughters like to do. She was Makenna's best friend. She was

her mom Robin's best friend too.

Steff is survived by her mother Robin Brown, her children Cody Joseph, and Makenna Cathryn, Uncle Stan Powers, Aunt's Georgia Bannon and Donna Brown, numerous cousins, and extended family members: Lori Stampher and Corey Plante, Penny Glass, Kelly Bennett, Corinna Porterfield, and all the many many people who loved the special, unique, and brave woman she was. She will be missed tremendously by us all.

A celebration of life visitation for Steffanie will be held Saturday, September 10, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Mountain View Mortuary, 2350 Montebello Square Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MtViewMortuary.com for the Yates family.