Kenneth Ronald Yates

Kenneth Ronald Yates, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend to so many, and stranger to no one, passed away on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at the family home in Opportunity following an extended illness. Ken’s wife and daughters were so blessed to be holding him in his last moments. Thank you to Anaconda Pintler Hospice – our angels on earth. Ken was born in Butte, Montana on January 20, 1941 to Ken and Ann (Bence) Yates. He was raised in Butte and graduated from Butte High School in 1958. After a 21-year career in the United States Air Force, he returned to the Butte area with his family. He married his grade school sweetheart Sherry (who was delivered by the same doctor six months apart) in 1959. His greatest love…was his wife and family. As a youngster, he worked as a pin setter at a bowling alley, and delivered groceries and newspapers. After graduation, he went to work at Mt Con Mine until a strike in 1958 and enlisted in the Air Force. He was stationed in New Mexico, Okinawa, Idaho, Thailand, and California during his military years. Attaining the rank of Master Sargent, he was a Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Superintendent when he retired. One of the highlights of his career was getting to meet John F. Kennedy in Pensacola at a firepower demonstration. Another highlight in his life was obtaining his pilot and flight instructor licenses. He took his family on many trips during his flying days. After his retirement, he worked for a short time at the Montana State Prison before embarking on a 27-year career at the Butte Post Office. He was so proud of all of his accomplishments. Ken loved his sports. He followed the Montana Grizzlies, Green Bay Packers, Boston Celtics, and Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He and Sherry were the official and unofficial Grandparents of the Butte High School Girls’ Softball Team(s) for several years. An avid bowler since he was young, he bowled on many leagues throughout the years. Ken is survived by his wife, Sherry with whom he shared a 62-year marriage; daughter Julie (Kirt) Mayson; daughter Joy (Brian) Coldiron; grandson Ken (Jessyca) Coldiron, and great grandson Gunnar; granddaughter Ashley (Tristan) Crowe and great granddaughter Ina; Granddaughter Chelsey (Corey) Williams; granddaughter Rachel (Brian) Rotolo; granddaughter Tiffany Mayson. Ken is also survived by his sister Margie Irmen, brother-in-law Bobby Stewart, sister-in-law Nancy Warren, brother-in-law Gene Boschee, and special brother-in-law Terry Kivela, as well as several nieces, nephews and friends who were family. He is also survived by his little faithful companions, Jack and Kaboo. Preceding Ken in death were his parents, step-parents, brothers Bob Yates, Gary Warren, and Joe Warren, and sister Judy Stewart. Thank you to our special angel, Bob Foley, who gave us 7 more years with him. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be conducted Thursday, July 14th at 10:00 a.m. in Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home with Pastor Marlow Carrels officiating. Entombment of ashes will be in Mountain View Cemetery and a reception will follow at the Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home.

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Kenneth Ronald Yates

January 20, 1941 - July 5, 2022