Joyce Yates

Joyce Yates passed away on February 17, 2026, at Alton Memorial Hospital in Alton, Illinois. She was born on March 27, 1936, to James Clifford and Viola Marie (Grabbe) Baker.

Joyce married Donald “Don” Vernon Yates on March 16, 1957, at Evangelical United Church of Christ in Godfrey, Illinois. In 1957, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in nursing from St. Luke’s School of Nursing. She was a devoted member of Evangelical United Church of Christ and an active participant in the Godfrey Women’s Club.

Joyce enjoyed crafts, gardening, and being involved in her community. She faithfully served as a Girl Scout leader and took great pride in creating a warm and loving home for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her family was the center of her life, and she treasured every moment spent with them.

She is survived by her loving husband, Don Yates; her children, Laura Yates-Mattson of Edwardsville, Illinois, Sara (David) Harroun of Godfrey, Illinois, and Jeff Yates of Godfrey, Illinois; her grandchildren, Michael (Jesi) Flores of Tampa, Florida, Matthew (Amanda) Flores of Myrtle Beach, Florida, Rees Harroun of Godfrey, Illinois, and Bennet Harroun of Godfrey, Illinois; her great-grandchildren, Becket Flores and Hadley Flores; and her brother, Harold (Margie) Baker of Iowa.

Visitation will be held Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Elias, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey, Illinois. A funeral service will be held Monday, March 2, 2026, at Evangelical Church of Christ in Godfrey, Illinois, with burial to follow at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey, Illinois.

Memorials may be made to Evangelical United Church of Christ or the Godfrey Women’s Club Scholarship Endowment at LCCC.

Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.

Obit Provided By:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home