Mary Ellen YATES

YATES, Mary Ellen, of Swartz Creek, Age 78, died April 17, 2012 at Genesys Health Park. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:30AM Monday, April 23, 2012 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, G-3139 Hogarth St., Flint. Fr. Robert Copeland celebrant. Interment will be at New Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be 1:00-8:00PM Sunday at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek. A Scripture Service will be 7:30PM Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to St. Pius X Catholic Church or a Charity of One's Choice. Mary Ellen was born December 30, 1933 in Flint, the daughter of Frank Jacob and Louise Ann (Ignash) Trafas. She married Robert Yates on November 22, 1952 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and he preceded her in death on January 15, 1990. Mary Ellen was a graduate of Goodrich High School where she was active in all sports. She lettered four years and was on the State Championship Basketball Team. Mary Ellen was employed by Consumer Power Company in 1951, and during that time played Flint City Basketball. She was part-owner in the "Burton City Banner" which was the first newspaper after Burton became a city. She was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church serving as Eucharistic Minister and helping out where it was needed. She enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers and University of Michigan athletics. Surviving are her 2 children, Robert Yates (Susan) of Grand Blanc, Pamela Spillane (Thomas) of Swartz Creek; 3 grandsons, Jeffrey Yates (Lori) of Ferndale, Benjamin Spillane (Ruthi) of Flushing, Jeremy Spillane of New Bern, NC; 2 great-grandchildren, Cameron and Grace; brother, Ronald Trafas (Diane) of Flushing; and several nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents and brother, Francis J. Trafas. The family extends many thanks to the staff at Genesys Health Park and the Chemotherapy Team. Online condolences may posted on the obituaries page of www.sharpfuneralhomes.com

Visitation

Sunday, April 22, 2012 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sharp Funeral Homes - Miller Road Chapel
8138 Miller Road Swartz Creek 48473, United States