Sept. 16, 1945 — Aug. 14, 2015

Mary L. Yates, 69, of Edwardsburg, formerly of Niles, died on Friday, Aug. 14, 2015, at her home following an extended illness. She was born Sept. 16, 1945, in South Bend to Walter A. and Josephine (Poorman) VanKirk.

Mary graduated from Brandywine Schools in Niles and was a computer operator at Fapco Inc. in Buchanan, retiring in 2008. She enjoyed doing crafts and crocheting, playing bingo and dancing. She especially loved spending time with her family.

Surviving family includes four daughters, Ellen (Thomas) White Vaughn of Niles, Tifani Mary (Ski) Paholski of Edwardsburg, Michelle (Robert) Cooper of Niles and Kathy (Paul) Peterson of Niles; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Also surviving are Mary’s brothers, Noah VanKirk of Nolanville, Texas and Ernest VanKirk of Niles; sister Sylvia VanKirk, special friend Daniel Rouse and caretaker Frances Lynn Pellow.

The funeral service for Mary L. Yates will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2015 at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Michael Elsey of Ontwa Baptist Church in Edwardsburg officiating. Interment will follow at the Smith Chapel Cemetery, Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Donations in memory of Mary may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

www.halbritterfunerals.com