Thelma "Sammy" Dell Yates, 96

Thelma Dell Yates, 96 years, passed to heaven on April 11, 2012 at Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare, Ava, Mo.
Thelma “Sammy” was born Jan. 18, 1916 in Ava, Mo., to Ebb and Chloe (Gott) Hodges.
Sammy was a lifelong resident of the Ava community. She had worked at the nursing home in Ava for many years. On Nov. 30, 1935 “Sammy” and Hershel Yates were united in marriage in Ava, Mo., and to this union three children were born.
Sammy was a Christian and a member of the Sandy General Baptist Church. She enjoyed quilting, embroidery, reading, bowling and working at her puzzles.
Sammy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Hershel, a son, Hershel, Jr., several brothers and sisters.
She is survived by a son and wife, Dennis and Nancy Yates, Woodland, Calif., a daughter and husband, Shirley and Charles “Chuck” Johnson, Vacaville, Calif.; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one brother, Austin Hodges, of California; one sister, Wanda Tipton, of Colorado; special niece, Donna Haynes, Ava, Mo.; other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.
Graveside services for Sammy were Monday, April 16, at 2 p.m. in the Union Grove Cemetery, Ava, Mo. (Crossroads).  Officiating was Pastor Neal Crum. Services were conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, Mo.
Online condolences may be made to www.clinkingbeardfuneral home.com.