Norma Jean Yates

Norma Jean Yates, 80, passed away December 22, at the Pearl Assisted Living Home in Centennial Colorado. She was born November 24th, 1936 in her parent’s home in Hebron, Nebraska to James Norman and Vernita Mabel Miller. She is survived by her husband Benjamin Joseph (Joe) Yates and family. They were married November 25th, 1952 at her parent’s home in Hebron, Nebraska. Their 64th wedding anniversary was just days before her passing. To this marriage, Norma Jean and Joe were blessed with four children, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The children are Joline L. Yeager of Dayton, Nevada; Michael H. Yates of Elizabeth, Colorado; Steven R. Yates of Englewood Colorado. One son Timothy E. Yates passed away December 7th, 2016, just prior to his mother. Norma Jean is also survived by her two brothers, Ron Miler and Bill Miller. Additionally, there are seven grandchildren, Mike Yeager, Michelle Yeager, Mackinze, Thomas and Natalie Yates; Ben and Cody Yates and one great-grandchild Hailey Yeager. They started their married life in Hebron, Nebraska, later to several locations in Kansas. Colorado was their home for over 50 years. Norma Jean loved the Colorado mountains and the solitude of their home for over 35 years in Elizabeth, Colorado.

As she grew up in Hebron. Norma Jean loved to go to work with her father, sit on his lap and drive the truck, especially to the farm areas. Her father built her a marvelous brick playhouse with real doors and windows and her mother furnished it with dolls and play furniture. She and her close friends spent many fun times in the playhouse. As she became a teenager her real love was roller skating with her father and friends. She was confirmed in the Lutheran Church. During their early married years they moved to Junction City, Kansas were Joe served in the Army at Ft Riley Kansas. When they moved to Colorado she worked at Samsonite Luggage while raising their family. Her favorite work place was at 7-11 where she showed her abilities with people and leadership. She loved the benefits it brought to her family and her personal satisfaction. After moving to Elizabeth Colorado they joined the LDS Church which brought great joy, comfort and satisfaction to Norma Jean. She was a diligent sister of the church by gathering and inputting ancestral records. She was exceptionally proud of this contribution to the church, family and friends. Norma Jean will be greatly missed by her family, friends and associates. Her strong will and never give up attitude was a part of her daily life. She was creative and had a good viewpoint for interior design.