It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kathleen Childs Yates, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, who entered into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father on October 7, 2026, in Logan, Utah. Born in Springville, Utah, on April 5, 1936, Kathleen was the eldest child of Myron DeVere Childs and Lucille Johnson, who instilled in her a profound love for family, faith, and hard work.

Kathleen's early life was marked by both loss and resilience. At the tender age of four, she faced the heartbreaking loss of her mother and sister during childbirth. With the marriage of her father to Maurine Dixon, Kathleen was embraced in a loving family environment alongside her six siblings. The bonds she forged during her childhood would endure throughout her life.

Kathleen excelled academically, attending Springville High School and later Brigham Young University, where she was a proud member of the Cougarettes. She often would wake her kids each morning with a cheerful "rise and shout the cougars are out!" Much to their chagrin. She cherished her school years, treasuring lifelong friendships that enriched her journey.

One of the pivotal moments in Kathleen's life was meeting her soulmate, Robert Dean Yates, while working as a bank teller in Salt Lake City. They were united in marriage on September 21, 1957, in Springville, Utah. Together, they built a loving home for their four children: Julie (Russell) Osborn, Allison McCaslin, Karen (Brian) Hyde, and Brian (Jennifer) Yates. As a family they enjoyed cooking breakfast at Vasona Park, going to Santa Cruz beach and made many summer vacation trips to Utah to visit family. Kathleen insured that each Sunday dinner was a time for family around the table. Kathleen devoted herself to raising her family, creating a nurturing environment filled with joy and love.

Kathleen found great fulfillment in her career as a preschool teacher at Almaden Valley Preschool, where her genuine affection for small children shone through. Later, her role at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center allowed her to cultivate many cherished friendships.

A woman of many talents, Kathleen found joy in sewing, crafting beautiful Easter dresses for her daughters, and ensuring her son looked his best. She would sew clothes for the girls dolls and halloween costumes for her children and grandchildren. Her artistic spirit brightly illuminated family holidays, where she would create lovely table decor and engage the family in festive celebrations. The girls enjoyed polishing silver with Mom for each holiday. A passionate reader, she instilled a love of literature in her children and grandchildren.

Kathleen shared many happy memories with her husband, Bob, raising two litters of Shetland Sheepdogs and enjoying country line dancing with dear friends, Gary and Evelyn Peterson. Kathleen and Bob enjoyed attending many of their grandchildren's activities such as sporting events, dance and show choir recitals. Her legacy of love lives on through her children, 14 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren, who will carry her warmth in their hearts.

A devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kathleen held numerous callings over the years, dedicating her time to serve others, particularly enjoying her role in leading the Cub Scouts and teaching the Relief Society.

Kathleen is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and siblings: John (Kathy) Childs, Ann (Lanny) Daybell, Judy (Tom) Lucia, Kristine (Greg) Osborn, and Steven Childs. She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepmother Maurine Childs, her cherished husband Robert, siblings Marilyn, Patricia, and Richard Childs, grandson Erick Kauffmann and son in-law Christopher McCaslin.

Our family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to Legacy House of Logan for their compassionate care, and a special thank you to Erin Hyde and Brytten, her devoted hospice nurses, for the exceptional care they provided to Kathleen.

In celebrating Kathleen's remarkable life, let us remember her kindness, her unwavering love, and the indelible mark she left on all who knew her. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the love she so freely shared.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah. Visiation will begin at 10:00 a.m. The burial will be held at the Mona City Cemetery, 749 East Cemetery Lane, following the funeral service.