Kenneth R. Yates

Kenneth R. Yates, age 81, of Benton City, WA and former Sunnyside resident passed away on Monday, April 25, 2016 in Richland, WA.  Kenny was born on March 31, 1935 in Loma, CO the son of Edgar and Maudie (Raver) Yates.  He received his education in Grandview, WA.  On February 3, 1962 he married Bernadine Biegler in Grandview, WA. Following their marriage Kenny and Bernadine moved with his construction work living in Montana, Missouri, Colorado, North Dakota and returning to Grandview in 1968.   Kenny worked with his father and later owned and operated the family business, Yates Trucking Company for twenty-five years.   He later farmed at 100 Circle Farms in Patterson for nine years, worked construction for PR Systems and farmed for family and friends until he retired.  Kenny loved the adventure of being a cowboy and lived and taught his children and grandchildren, if you get bucked off, dust yourself off and get right back on.   Kenny treasured time spent with family, many memories were made while rodeoing, fishing, hunting and snowmobiling.  He was a journeyman Iron Worker. 

Kenny is survived by his wife, Bernadine Yates of Benton City, WA.  Four children, Theresa Tobin (Don) of Grandview, WA, Tamara Chandler (Rick) of Fruita, CO, Kendra Alley of Phoenix AZ and  Shawn Yates of Sunnyside, WA. Nine grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren, one brother, Bill Yates (Judy) of Olympia, WA and former son-in-law, John Alley.  He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Eldon and Wayne Yates.

Memorial funeral service will be held on Friday, April 29, 2016 at 11:00 am at the Grandview Church of the Nazarene.  Those wishing to honor Kenny’s memory may contribute love gifts to the family.  If you would like to sign Kenny’s online memorial book you may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematory in care of arrangements.

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