Kay Yates

     Ethel Kay (Thompson) Yates, “Kay,” age 87, of Lincoln University, PA, passed away on December 4, 2024, in Newark, DE. She was the beloved wife of the late Walter Larry Yates, with whom she shared 62 years of marriage. Born in Upland, PA, she was the daughter of the late John Thompson and the late Elizabeth (Ingram) Thompson. 

     Kay treasured her family and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her most prized possession was a canvas photograph which captured all her children and grandchildren. 

     She met Larry during high school on a bus trip to a basketball game. They became fast friends and were married a couple years after she graduated. They raised their family in rural Chester County, referred to as “The Sticks” by their family and friends. Kay, along with her husband, Larry, was a member of West Grove United Methodist Church for over 60 years. She enjoyed volunteering for church events and had many treasured friends there. She worked at her children’s elementary school while they attended there and later as a banker at Commonwealth Federal Savings in Oxford, PA. 

     Kay took joy in attending family gatherings. She never missed a holiday or birthday celebration. She was the glue that bound the family together. She was an excellent seamstress, sewing clothes for her children, wedding parties, and baby quilts for her grandchildren. She enjoyed cooking and passed down many cherished recipes to her family. She made a great pot of meatballs and sauce and loved sharing cheesecake and pretzel salad at gatherings. 

     She shared lifelong friendships and enjoyed going antique hunting, to yard sales and craft fairs with them. She loved playing cards, participating in her church’s sewing circle, and shopping with the family. 

     Following Larry’s death, her dog Hope was a great companion. She kept Kay active with her daily walks and fostered great fellowship with the other dog owners in the neighborhood. 

     Kay is survived by her treasures; the family whom she adored, one son, Dale Yates (Nancy) of New London, PA; two daughters, Nancy Yates Narvell (Todd) of Hockessin, DE and Shelly Ciafre (Rodney) of West Grove, PA; ten grandchildren, Matthew, Megan, Kristine, Ashley, Amanda, Steven, Eric, Eleazar, Ezekiel and Lydia; and twelve great-grandchildren, Hailey, Matthew, Jaime, Jack, John, Christopher, Sloane, Nancy Ann, Makenzie, Travis, Eric James, and Benjamin and one little dog Hope. In addition to her parents and husband, Kay was predeceased by her brother, John Thompson and granddaughter-in-law, Samantha Luff. 

     You are invited to visit with Kay’s family and friends from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at West Grove United Methodist Church, 300 North Guernsey Road, West Grove, PA 19390. Her memorial service will follow at 12:00 pm. 

     In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to West Grove United Methodist Church, 300 North Guernsey Road, West Grove, PA 19390. 

     Arrangements are by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square, PA. To view Kay’s online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com