Obituary of Suzanne W. Yates

Suzanne W. Yates, passed away peacefully with her daughters nearby in her home December 31, 2011 at the age of 90. She was born in Omaha, Nebraska and moved to Santa Cruz with her parents Clyde E. White and Bertha M. White at the age of two. She graduated from Santa Cruz High School and attended The College of The Pacific where she met her future husband Lansing "Jack" Yates. They wed in 1942 and were married for 47 years. Her family grew with the addition of a son James Jackson II and two daughters, Lanse and Jennifer. Santa Cruz was Suzanne's heaven on earth. She embraced the town and everything it had to offer: wide circle of friends, the Redwoods, Boardwalk, tennis and of course, the glorious beaches and the sunsets. When visitors came, she proudly showed off the place she loved the most in the world - her "Fairyland", her "end of the rainbow". In addition to being an avid bridge player, fun loving tennis player, a regular at the beach, hosting parties at her home, she was involved in Omega Nu, Guide Dogs for The Blind and a charter member of Daisy Auxilary. Suzanne is survived by her daughters Lanse Yates Fisk and Jennifer Yates Tietz, son in law Dennis Tietz and grandchildren Kylie S. Fisk, Griffin J. Tietz and Morgan S. Tietz. Her husband Jack and son Jim predecease her. The family would like to give a special thank you to a special extended member of the family, Alexis Hernandez. She lovingly cared and dedicated herself to our Mom, Nana, and Mother-in-Law over the last six years. Alexis was truly her guardian angel. We will miss her but know her spirit and presence will always be felt in her town, Santa Cruz. A celebration of life for Suzanne will be held Sunday, January 29, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at Hollins House at Pasatiempo Golf Club. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.