Marlene Yates

On Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022, (Florence) Marlene Yates, loving wife and mother of three children, passed away peacefully at the age of 83 in Happy Valley, Ore. Marlene was born to Florence and Lloyd Yates in Howley, Newfoundland, June 20, 1938, preceding the Dominion’s confederation with Canada in 1949.

Marlene was the oldest of five siblings. She grew up in a number of small rural settlements, while most Newfoundlanders were fishermen her family were loggers. While attending nursing school in St. John’s, she was introduced to her future husband, Bob Yates, an American serviceman stationed in Newfoundland on the coincidence of sharing the same surname. Becoming an Army wife” meant moving from home and country to resettle every few years in far-flung locales in the United States and abroad, including central and southern California, Oregon, and (what was then) West Germany. She was a loving mom and supportive art critic – her children’s art always received the highest praise and prominent placement on the fridge and walls of their home. After Bob retired from his military career, the family returned to Portland, Ore., where Marlene finished her nursing education and began a career in public health working mostly at the county health clinic in northeast Portland. She loved being a nurse and would enthusiastically relate the events of her work day at each evening’s home meal.

Marlene was an active member of the Unitarian Church in Portland, an expert hiker, mountaineer, and 37-year member of the Mazamas. Her summits include most of the high Cascade Mountain peaks in Oregon and Washington, including Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helen’s in the years prior to the May 1980 eruption, and multiple ascents of Mt. Hood. Marlene was very social and outgoing and developed many long term and loving friendships throughout her life. Marlene was an avid feminist starting in the 60’s and throughout her life.

Marlene was preceded in death by her father, Lloyd; mother, Florence; her brother, Gene; beloved niece, Michelle, and husband, Bob. She is survived by her three children, Rob, Gene, and Leslie; grandchildren, Annika, Connor, and Marley; sister, Emma Yates and brothers Chris and Calvin; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

A private interment will be held at Willamette National Cemetery.

Arrangements by Ross Hollywood Funeral Home. A memorial will be held from 1-4 p.m., Saturday, April 2, 2022, at the home of the Stencil’s, Camp Withycombe, Quarters One, 153000 Minuteman Way, Clackamas, OR 97015. Check in at the gate, present ID and directions will be provided.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The Nature Conservancy, Friends of the Columbia Gorge or the Sierra Club.