YATES, Clara Joan (nee Phelps) - Passed away suddenly and peacefully at her home on Monday August 22, 2016. Beloved wife of the late Bill Yates (1975). Clara will be lovingly missed by her sons Deward (Candy), Bob (Lauren), Gord (Chris), Glen (Nancy), and the late Wayne Yates (1971). Proud grandmother of 11 grandchildren, Shannon, Shelley (Andrew Cuthbert), Jeremy (Laura), Robyn, Stacey (Troy Gower), Adam (Daria Koscinski), Chad (Lynette), Geoffrey (Ashley Geerlinks), Seth (Grace), Colin (Lydia Chen), and Megan. Great-grandmother to her 16 precious great-grandchildren, Ashleigh, Jacquelyn, Aiden, Ava, Rowan, Beck, Charliegh, Axel, Gideon, Owen, Naomi, Weston, Colby, Finleigh, Bobbi, and Jake. Survived by her sister Betty Benson (late Al) and brother George Phelps (Barb), and sisters-in-law Betty Phelps and Jean Phelps, as well as many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her brothers, Robert (Joan), Louie and Bill. Clara was born on May 12, 1928 in Paris, Ontario, to parents Harriett (Hattie) and Mervin Phelps. Mum was raised at Dunelg, RR#1 Woodstock, on a family farm. As a girl she attended Beachville Public School and Woodstock Collegiate Institute. Her first job was at the School for the Blind in Brantford. During WWII she worked in two ammunitions factories in Woodstock. It was at that time she met a young soldier from northern Alberta - an instructor at the Army Transport Training Base in Woodstock - Corporeal Deward William ( Bill ) Yates. At war's end he had to return to Edmonton to de - enlist and he forwarded her the money for a train ticket and she went west " A Canadian War Bride ". Her first residence was a log cabin in a lumber camp at Edson, Alberta. After time in Edmonton, a Blue Ridge farm and Powell River and two sons later they returned to Woodstock. Three more sons later they moved to the Dorland Subdivision. Mum spent the next years as a stay at home mother raising five sons and as Mrs. Yates Motors until Dad's death in 1975. In 1976, Mum took on a new profession as a receptionist and occasional surgery assistant at Yates Veterinary Hospital. Working initially with her son, Dr. Gordon Yates and then also with Dr. Glen Yates - a role she fulfilled for 40 years - including last Tuesday morning. Her love of contact with people was a driving force in that role. Over the years she enjoyed activity with several bowling leagues, as an Honourary Kinette, with Ducks Unlimited, with Navy Club and Beachville Legion friends and with multiple artistic endeavours. Yates Veterinary Hospital and many homes have been recipients of her splendid works of Paper Tole art. Many Thursday's, initially evenings and more recently afternoons have been spent with a special group of ladies coordinated and guided by Babs Tebbutt. She also enjoyed travel on many bus trips across Canada and into the United States. For Mum the greatest joy in her life was her family. Each of her grand children and great grand children were very special to her. As a Matriarch she was a focal point for her family and for years her home has been the centre for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and multiple family birthdays. Apple pies and cinnamon buns were two trademarks. Mum will be sorely missed by all of her family, friends and acquaintances. Friends will be received at the Brock and Visser Funeral Home 845 Devonshire. Ave., Woodstock (519)539-0004 on Sunday August 28th 2016 from 1-4 pm and 7-9 pm. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Monday August 29th 2016 at 11:00 am. Interment at Oxford Memorial Park Cemetery. If desired, contributions to the South Gate Centre, Woodstock or London Health Sciences Centre, Children’s Hospital would be appreciated. Online condolences at www.brockandvisser.com