Louise Marie Yates

Louise Marie Benefiel Yates was born in Ochelata, Oklahoma, on December 12, 1920 to Jessie Walker Benefiel and Otis William Benefiel. She died in Ponca City, Oklahoma, on August 7th, 2019 at the age of 98. During her last month of life, she suffered from various medical problems: it could be said that she died of “old age.” Louise had been living in Ponca City for about eight years, close to her two surviving sons. Two months prior to her death, Louise requested that she be moved into Ponca City Nursing Home, finally having to give up her independent living at Willow Creek Apartments. Louise had vivid memories of her childhood with her mom and dad and all six of her siblings, trying to make a living off the land during those years of the Great Depression. She graduated from Ramona Highschool in 1939, and she was the last surviving member of her graduating class. She married William Junior Yates in 1939. In the 40’s, the growing family – sons Ernie and Billy Clifford (“Butch”) and daughter, June – lived throughout Oklahoma and Kansas (primarily), as husband “Bill” was working in the oilfields. The family also lived in five-or-six other states during Bill’s service at defense plants during WWII. Shortly after youngest son Gary was born, the family moved to Southern California in 1957. Louise was the homemaker, always providing for the family, involved in PTA and other organizations, and always busy sewing Barbie doll clothes. Louise’s husband Bill passed away in 1981, a few years after the two of them had moved “back home” to the Bartlesville/Dewey area to be back amongst family. Her oldest son, Ernie died in Bartlesville in 2002. Louise is also preceded in death by her parents, brothers Willie and Cliff Benefiel, and her sisters Mildred Benefiel Burrows and Betty Lea Benefiel Marshall. She is survived by brother Leo Benefiel and sister Cleo Benefiel Stanberry; by daughter June Yates Braden and her husband Bill Braden, and their two sons Chris and Greg; son Billy Clifford Yates and his wife Pat Yates, and daughters Brenda and Teresa Yates; and by son Gary Alan Yates and his wife Deb Greer Yates. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to be made to Rose Hill Community Baptist Church or to your favorite charity.

Louise Marie Yates

December 12, 1920 - August 7, 2019