Elizabeth “Betty” Yates

Betty Yates of London, Ontario passed away peacefully on August 10, 2024. Betty was predeceased by her husband Ralph.

Betty was born in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, UK and immigrated to Canada as a baby with her brother Ernie and sister Eira and parents Thomas and Rose Moores. The new Canadians eventually found their way to Toronto, where they made their home on Westmount Avenue.

Betty met her husband Ralph while working at GE, and they had a loving relationship for over 60 years. Together they raised 4 children. They started their family in Toronto, moved to London, then Owen Sound. They had many wonderful friends in Owen Sound and a cottage at Lake Eugenia, where they enjoyed many family gatherings. Betty also had her antique business in downtown Owen Sound.

Betty was involved in the Presbyterian Church in London, as well as in Owen Sound. Betty volunteered at the hospital and was an activist during the Quebec crisis. She was very involved in the community, volunteering on the PTA and on the board at the local YM-YWCA.

As empty nesters, Betty and Ralph moved back to London, where they enjoyed attending the theatre, playing bridge with friends, and fine dining in the London area. They enjoyed travel, especially their “September Weekend” with their London friends, spending a weekend each fall at a different resort in southern Ontario, golfing, playing tennis, bridge and partying! Later in life, Betty continued her commitment to service by knitting teddy bears for Alzheimer’s patients at the local hospital and knitting for charity. Betty was very creative; sewing, knitting and crocheting, and coming up with clever projects for Ralph to create. They were a gifted and talented team.

Betty (and Ralph) loved to have fun, and both had a great sense of humour.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Westmount Gardens and Richmond Woods.  A huge heartfelt thank you to Betty’s caregiver, Ann Prendergast.

Betty is survived by her 4 children and their spouses; Linda (Roger Young), David (Myrna McLay), Pam (Norm Dupuis) and Jim (Rosemary Sutherland).  Also survived by 7 grandchildren; Dustin, Jenny, Daniel, Patrick, Julie, Lindsay, Andreas and 6 great grandchildren; Makayla, Maddex, Nash, Bodhi, Ivan, and Ellie. Betty loved her family more than anything and gave her children the gift of freedom to pursue our own dreams with her complete support. The great grandchildren called her Gigi. A perfect name for an elegant, classy woman. A woman with style, grace and kindness, who “lived a great life”.