Melba D. Yates

MELBA D. YATES of Little Rock passed away peacefully at home on June 13, 2017. She was born to Edwin and Maggie DuVall on a snowy Jan. day in 1924, after her mother walked to the nearby (old) St. Vincent Hospital. Melba grew up in Little Rock, graduated from Little Rock High School (now Central) and then attended Draughon School of Business. After school she worked for the Veteran's Administration until she started her family. In 1948 she married Stanley W. Yates and they were blessed to have 64 years together. They enjoyed traveling with friends, family ski trips, and spending time at their place on Lake Catherine. She was a member of Second Presbyterian Church and the Forty Listeners Book Club (now defunct). Melba also enjoyed playing bridge and gardening. Melba is survived by her son, Stan Yates and his special friend, Lola Selph, her daughter, Lea Ann Reeves and husband, Jim of Ft. Meyers, Fla.; grandsons, Drew Reeves and Fiancée Megan Brickner of Jacksonville, Fla., and Brian Reeves of Baton Rouge, La. She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant daughter, Sarah Louise, and her husband, Bill. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 19, 2017 at Second Presbyterian Church with Rev. Steve Hancock officiating. The family wishes to thank her special caregiver and friend, Cherrie Fox and her daughter, LaTonya Bowie along with her caring physicians, Paul Zelnick, Doug Borg, and Kevin Heifner. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Second Presbyterian Church, 600 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72227 or a favorite charity. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home. www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.