Era "Nel" Yates

Era Neline "Nel" Yates passed away on October 30 at the Richard L Owens Hospice Home.

She was born February 7, 1932, in Duncan, OK, to Ely Nelson Toops and Minnie Lula Boone. She grew up in Waynesville, MO, and lived there for most of her life. She was previously married to William L. Brown, Jr., with whom she had three children. She later married Jess Yates. Over the years, she worked as a nurse's aide, a home healthcare assistant, and a housekeeper.

She loved gardening and was a Master Gardner. She had a lifelong love of learning.

Nel is survived by her children Valerie Stephens of Frederick, CO, Audrey Archer of Meldrim, GA, and David Brown of Chicago. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Luke Russell, Bethany Yurek, Erin Davis, Colin McNamar, Daniel McNamar, Adam Brown, and Kyle Brown, and six great-grandchildren. Five siblings, Nadine Anderson, Nelson Toops, Carol Sheehy, Richard Toops, and Ronald Toops, also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Robert Toops, and two grandsons, Mark Russell, Jr. and Seth Russell.

While there will be no public services, Era's family will privately celebrate her life. To honor her memory, her family invites you to share your favorite stories and memories of her. Affordable Funeral & Cremation Services of Central Illinois, Peoria, is assisting her family with arrangements. The family invites you to visit www.peoriafuneral.com to share a memory or send a condolence.