----Source: STAR NEWS, Feb. 2, 2000

Cecelia Yates (1926 - 2000)

Former Medford resident Cecelia "Billie" Irene Andersen Yates, 73, Prineville, Ore., died Sunday, Jan. 23 at St. Charles Medical Center.

A memorial service was held on Friday, Jan. 28 at Prineville Funeral Home with Rev. Gene Bradbury officiating. Cremation will be held at Prineville Heritage Crematory.

The former Cecelia Andersen was born on August 10, 1926 at Rochester, Minn., to the late Leo and Avis (Barnett) Andersen. She grew up and attended schools in Rochester. She was a graduate of Miss. Woods Primary Grades Teaching College and taught school at Owen-Withee, Abbotsford, and Medford districts. She taught kindergarten and primary grades for 22 years as well as being an instructor for adult education.

Her marriage to Melbourne "Mel" Yates, who survives, took place on May 17, 1947 at Medford. They moved from Medford to Prineville in 1967. She taught at Powell Butte School from 1967-68. For a period of six years she ran and taught the Junior Bowling Program in Prineville.

She was an active member of the community, served on the advisory counsel for senior studies at the Central Oregon Community College, was president for the Advisory Counsel of Central Oregon Counsel on Aging. She enjoyed gardening, golf, traveling, and crafts.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by five sons, Kim (Johnna), Petaluma, Calif., Scott, Tuscon, Ariz., Kevin, Sacramento, Calif., Christopher, and Colin (Julie), both of Portland, Ore. one daughter, Cindea (Ron) Lett, Oshkosh one brother, David Andersen, Rochester, Minn. one sister, Shirley (Bob) Schnug, Overland Park, Pa. 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

The family suggests memorials in her name be made to the Central Oregon Counsel on Aging, Redmond, Ore., or the Prineville Senior Center, Prineville.