Obituary for Patricia (Patti) Ann Yates

Patricia (Patti) Ann Yates, 78 of rural Forest was called to her heavenly home on Tuesday August 18, 2026.

Born on May 24, 1948 in Kenton, Ohio, she was the oldest child of the late Dale and Mary Jane (Cockrell) Conover. Patti was a 1966 graduate of Kenton High School. Patti worked at Whirlpool Corporation Findlay where she held multiple positions before retirement.

She married Paul Darius Yates in 2000, and he preceded her in death on October 31, 2024.

Patti is survived by her three children; Jeff (Jennifer) Hites, Jill (Tim) Foust, Jayne (Jim) Beltz, and two stepchildren Eric (Leslie) Yates, Lori Yates. Grandchildren; Grant, Trent, Jessica, Shayne, Teja, Brandon and Tessa and step-grandchildren; Lianna, Elysia, Joslyn, Lorenzo, Sophia, and Emery and 11 Great Grandchildren.

Patti and Paul were Foreign Exchange Student Bonus Parents to Aziza Kerimova while she studied in the US. Bella, Patti’s faithful 4 legged companion survives.

Surviving are sister; Barbara (Gary) McBride-Nelson of Findlay, brothers; William Casey Conover of Kenton, George (Diana) Conover of Kenton, David (Holly) Conover of Kenton and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Patti in death, sister Beverly Jane Elsasser, brother-in-law Steve McBride and sister-in-law Rose Mary Stultz.

Patti enjoyed vacationing with her toes in the sand. She enjoyed time spent with family and friends on cruises and trips to Mrytle Beach, Marco Island and the Gulf Shores.

Patti had a love for decorating especially at Christmas. She made the holidays special by opening their home to host family gatherings.

Being the hostess was perfected by Patti and everyone felt welcomed and loved.

The Country Basket fulfilled one of Patti’s goals of having her own store.

During the warm months, Patti could be found tending to her gardens and flowers. Patti and Paul were presented the Hardin County Beautification Award for their beautiful home that they built.

Antiquing was a favorite past time for Patti and Paul. Patti’s love for antiques and the ability to display the items in her home, were magazine worthy. Patti was asked to showcase their home for a Country Magazine article but Patti respectfully declined.

Patti and Paul enjoyed traveling to multiple antique shows throughout the year. Travels to the New England States were some of her finest pickings.

Patti enjoyed the simple things in life. Guaranteed if you rode in her car you were going to hear Patti singing along to the 60’s music.

She loved spending time with her friends and family, and her kitchen island was always a place of laughter and love.

These travels and traditions created countless treasured memories for our family.

The family would like to thank Patti’s caregivers who supported Patti’s wish to remain in her home. Without their support and the guidance of the Bridge Home Health and Hospice team, we could not have fulfilled her request.

Her faith was an important part of her life, as was her love for her family and others. She will deeply be missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Per Patti’s wishes, there will be no service or memorial. Arrangements are entrusted to COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Findlay.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Patti’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or Bridge Home Health and Hospice.

Online condolences can be expressed to the family by visiting coldrencrates.com