Kathleen Yates

Apr 4, 1945 - Jun 9, 2026

Kathleen Yates (Kath), 81, of South Bend, died on June 9, 2026.

Kath was born on April 4, 1945, to Rubert and Jane Yates in South Bend and has remained a resident her entire life.

She was a 1963 graduate of John Adams High School.

She began her work career with the Associates Investment Company in the Treasury and Tax Departments. She retired in 2014 from the St. Joseph County Circuit Court after 24 years as administrative assistant to Hon. Terry Crone and Hon. Michael Gotsch.

Kath was preceded in death by sisters; Janet Oler, Diane Lonstrom, Marilyn DeSimone, Joyce Michael, and brother, Larry Moore as well as brothers in-law; Neil Michael, Joe DeSimone, Robert Oler, cousins; Connie Baloun, Carolyn Tesmer, Phyllis Steele and nephew Ron Shirley.

She is survived by nieces Michele Ball (Dominic), Lori Okonski (Gene), Kim Oler, Erin Earl, nephews; Greg DeSimone, Kevin Falls (Cindy), Jim Falls (Susan), David Michael, and Larry Oler (Julie). In addition, she is survived by great nieces and nephews; Amanda Kindley (Kyle), Andrew Falls (Hannah), Alyssa Falls, Daniel Falls, Anthony Ball (Jacqueline), Lexi Labus (Luke), Taylor Banke (Scott), Jordan Earl, and Brandon Earl, Ashley Chandler, Alecia Michael, Kassidy Michael, Kaitlyn Glazman and great-great nieces; Zoey Kathleen Banke and Molly Josephine Labus, Paisley Kindley and great-great nephew Liam Thomas Lower, as well as sister-in-law Suzanne Meriucci.

While never being blessed with children of her own, she simply adored all of her nieces and nephews and treated them as if they were her own. She loved going to school plays and sporting events or any activity featuring the "kids".

Visitation for Kath will be held from 1pm-2pm on Wednesday June 17, 2026, at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St. South Bend. A funeral service will begin at 2pm and burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice, 501 Comfort Place Mishawka, IN 46545.

Online condolences may be sent via the Palmer Funeral Homes website at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

Source: Legacy.com

06/12/2026 EJS

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/kathleen-yates-obituary?id=61660399