Angela Michelle Yates

Angela Michelle Yates

(1963 – 2021)

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of one amazing woman who touched so many!

Above all, Angie was a strong Christian who knew, without a doubt, where her eternal home was.  She lived on purpose, loved family, and always had a way of making you laugh.  Her quick wit and unique humor were her trademarks.  No matter what kind of day you had, a quick phone call from Angie always lightened your day and made you smile.  She had a tender heart and was generous to all, especially family, beyond measure.  Even from her hospital bed, she wanted to know how others were doing.  She was a bright sunflower in this world of dandelions and her joyous spirit will be dearly missed. 

Born August 11, 1963 to Ruth and Orvin “Chester” Yates, Angela was the 1st girl in 9 generations to be born to the Yates family.  Angie grew up in Tupman, California where she attended Elk Hills Elementary School.  During the summer months she loved going to Camp Condor, skating at the Taft Rec Center, and swimming at Buena Vista lake.  She went to Taft Union High School where she enjoyed running track, singing in Chamber Singers, and participating in Key & Rally Clubs.  She later attended Taft College and San Joaquin Technical College to pursue her passion for law.  She worked as a legal secretary at several legal firms before beginning her career as a Child Support Officer for Kern County.  She retired in 2018 due to health issues. Her lungs were already compromised when she contracted COVID-19 over the holidays.  She fought with fervor to overcome the pneumonia and other affects that followed, but her lungs and body were spent.   God called her home February 18, 2021 where she joined her mom, grandmother, niece, nephew, and is now rejoicing in heaven.

Angela was married 4 times (and looking for #5, as she always quipped). Her greatest joy in life and the center of her world were her two sons, Kenneth and Joshua.  She raised her boys as a single mother and instilled the strong Christian foundation that she attested to up until the time she was called home.  Angie is proceeded in death by her parents, Ruth and Orvin “Chester” Yates.  She is survived by her sons (Kenneth Lawrence, Jr. and Joshua Lawrence), her grandchildren (Melody and Axl Lawrence), her sisters (Melanie Dees, Lisa Latham, Mandy Yates, and Kristina Mincher), aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and many, many friends.  God broke the mold when He made Angie – she was one-of-a-kind.  The world was better because she was in it.  Like a pebble tossed into a lake, her life will continue to affect those she knew.  We love you beyond words, Angie, and will rejoice when we see you again in heaven.  Until then, we will hug each other in your memory, and will continue to talk with you through our thoughts and prayers.  Keep a watchful eye over us and whisper to us in our dreams.  We love you!

Angie’s services will be held at Erickson and Brown Funeral Home, 501 Lucard St, Taft, CA 93268.  Visitation and viewing will be Friday, February 26, 2021 (6-8pm).  Her Memorial & Celebration of Life Service will be Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 9:30am followed by a brief internment service crypt side at the West Side District Cemetery.  Following her services, the family will host a potluck reception at the Veterans Building in Taft at 1pm.  All are welcome. 

Sign up link for Perfect Pot Luck for Reception:

https://www.perfectpotluck.com/meals.php?t=EWXI9486...

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