Redmond, OR - Cheryl Yates (Helen Cheryl Clatfelter), was born May 29, 1942, in Walla Walla, Washington, and passed away on March 1, 2026, in Redmond, Oregon.

Cheryl spent her early years in Walla Walla and Milton-Freewater, where she built lifelong friendships and deep connections that she cherished to the end of her life. She married the love of her life, Joe Yates, on February 14, 1969 in Walla Walla. They shared a strong and devoted marriage until Joe's death on July 6, 1997. Cheryl never remarried, carrying that love with her always.

In 1993, Cheryl and Joe moved to La Grande, Oregon, to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. In 2006, Cheryl moved with her daughter to Bend, Oregon, where she continued to build a life centered around family.

Cheryl is survived by her daughter, Amber Yates, and son-in-law, John Gooding, of Redmond, Oregon; her grandson, Andrew Spencer, of Bend, Oregon; her granddaughter, Haven Yates, of Las Vegas, Nevada; her great-grandson, Avery Shields, of La Pine, Oregon, her sisters, Jackie Owsley of Walla Walla, Washington, Linda McHargue of Lewiston, Idaho, and Sandy Moss of Ketchikan, Alaska, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

More than anything, Cheryl loved her daughter and grandchildren. She dedicated her life to caring for them, supporting them, and showing up in the ways that mattered most.

She had a passion for photography and scrapbooking, and she experienced the world through a camera lens. On any trip or at any event, no one ever had to worry about taking pictures -- Cheryl had it covered. Through her photos and scrapbooks, she preserved memories that will be treasured for generations.

Cheryl also deeply valued her friendships, especially those formed in her youth. She remained closely connected to her high school friends and took great joy in organizing and planning her class reunions. In recent years, these gatherings became annual events, a testament to her commitment to keeping those bonds alive.

Known for her irreverent humor and straight-talking nature, Cheryl was never dull, often delivering her thoughts with a surprising and memorable turn of phrase.

Cheryl will be remembered for her fierce love of family, her loyalty to friends, her sharp wit, and her unwavering presence in the lives of those she loved. She will be deeply missed.