When I think of Tracy, I think of her strength. She was seemed to know what she wanted to make happen and she did it. It was clear to me that she was a fiercely loving mother to Zach and that Steven was the love of her life.  My sense is that her family was everything to her.  My hope for Zach and Steven is that they hold this strength of hers in their hearts.  So much love,
Carolyn

I didn't know Tracy very well, but her brother Rich is one of my best buddies. I could always see the love and camaraderie between them was really strong, and I knew she had to be incredibly special to warrant such a tight bond. Rest in peace, Tracy, and we'll help take care of Rich for you. 

I’m so sorry to hear this news. Tracy was on my freshman hall at Furman University. I have so many great memories of her laughing and just hanging out having a crazy time. She helped make my first year at Furman feel like home. Prayers for peace and comfort  for her family. 

I first met Tracy through work as she worked on a team that I worked with on a daily basis.  She was always fun, smart, patient and friendly.  We really got to know each other when she moved to our team and I discovered that she lived in Vegas, our 2nd home away from home.  I quickly learned  that we had so many things in common, she could have been my sister.   I loved our get togethers, phone calls and texts but most of all I loved that she was my friend.   Rest In Peace dear friend.   Til we meet again.   

Although we were family, Tracy and I really started developing a friendship when I referred her for a position with the company I work for.  She was hired, of course. And I had the pleasure of working with her on my team. We became fast friends and would talk about everything under the sun - and of course the boys - cousins Steve and Tom. Comparing notes about how they were alike and giggling at the many stories.  We made a few trips to Vegas to visit - lots of laughs and always great dining outings! One memorable trip to Fremont Street was one for the books (and of course I can’t tell you - what happens in Vegas...).  Tracy was a fun, spirited person, a true friend to those around her and such a kind soul.  I will never forget her laugh and that smile!  Anyone who knew her can tell you that this world will not be the same without her in it.  Tracy I’ll miss you dearly.  Rest well my friend.  Love you. 

No matter how many words I pick to talk about mom, in memory, it wouldn’t  do her justice. However, I just wanted to say that the Tracy you met was the real Tracy, a caring, extroverted, and fun soul. And that you shouldn’t be entirely sad about her passing, but instead happy that she isn’t suffering from the clutches of cancer anymore. Because if I had to pick having my mom suffer another 30 years with her cancer, or finally met her peace, one makes itself the obvious choice. Also one final thing to say is that she is still here, apart of us, not physically of course, but that the memories we may or may not have of her, shows that she is still in our minds, and that she in a way still hasn’t entirely left this earth just yet.

As parents you want the best for your children and to protect them from any pain or sorrow. This doesn’t change as they grow up, they are still your child.  Although we understand we can’t prevent Steve’s pain,  we take comfort in knowing he was blessed with the perfect match.  We couldn’t have asked for a better partner for our son.  

As grandparents we have  the same benefits of being a parent without the responsibility. Again we were lucky as Tracy was the ideal mother for our grandson.  It’s been amazing for us to see Zach’s growth, maturity and success.  We recognize the love and discipline that Tracy, in partnership with Steve, have provided that has molded our grandson.

Although we mourn we found the following poem gives us comfort:

Those we love
don’t go away.

They walk beside us
every day.

Unseen, unheard, 
But always near.

So loved, so missed,
So very dear. 


Tracy was more than my wife, she was my best friend.  We married in our early twenties, so we basically grew up together.  We were always able to balance each other out.  Our journey through life has not been easy, but we always tackled it together.  I still can’t believe how much she took on to support our life.  Cancer has taken away so much from us, but I have realized it can’t take away my love and our memories.  I can still remember the Myrtle Beach trips we used to take when we started dating.  Losing my wedding band at the lake after we had only been married a year.  She was so cool and calm about it, and of course she got a new ring out of the deal too.  Almost losing one of our cats at our first rest stop on our first cross country trip.  Finally bringing Zach home from the NICU after 4 months.  I was so fortunate go on this journey through life with her.  I loved to see her smile and hear her laughter, we always tried to be positive and not focus on the negative.  She fought so hard the last couple of years, and we left no stone un-turned.  My heart hurts so much, but I’m so thankful she’s at peace now.  Tracy will always be with me.            

Tracy was so very special to me. She was so strong and courageous fighting a nasty cancer. She always had a smile on her face. 
I will forever miss her but she is no longer suffering.
I love her so very much!💕


It was my pleasure to work with Tracy at Sun Health .  My very deepest condolences to her family.

My favorite memory with her, was when we were both right out of college and high school. During the summer on the weekends we would pack up a cooler with sandwiches, and drive to Myrtle Beach for the day. We did that all summer long and had the best time and had the best memories. I will love her forever.

Tracy was truly the kind of friend that you wish everyone had the fortune to have. We became fast friends upon meeting at Furman University living across the hall from one another. She was unapologetically bold, fiercely loyal and always up for a good time. 
Thankfully, we were able to revisit Furman, 22 years after we last saw one another when she proudly introduced me to her husband. 
The reunion was like stepping back in time with the same beautiful, spirited person that became my life long friend. We made new memories that I will forever treasure. As I told her in recent years, I was in awe of her strength, courage and tenacity. We had a shared love of our college days, the color pink, several TV shows old and new, and Bath & Body Works products! Tracy made an indelible mark on those around her. She will forever live on in my heart as a most cherished friend and be greatly missed.

OBITUARY

Tracy Starling Yates

January 28, 1973 – January 22, 2021

Palm Cheyenne Mortuary

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services