Emma Frieda Yates, born in Breslau, Germany on March 7, 1925 passed peacefully in her Prospect, Kentucky home at age 95 on Friday, June 12, 2020. Emma married her beloved American soldier and moved to the United States in 1947. She proudly became a naturalized American citizen in 1953, and loved this country with a passion. She was a member of Ascension Catholic Church for 26 years and St. Albert the Great for 8 years. She was also a member of the Social Male Chorus German-American Club since 1950. Emma truly enjoyed nature and marveled at its wonders. She became skilled at coloring with pencils and markers and left behind many filled books. Emma was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed UK Basketball. Emma was an inspiration to all who knew her. Her strength and determination in life were endless and something her family and friends were in awe of. She will be remembered as kind, loving, full of life and brought joy to those around her. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Thomas Yates; her daughter, Patricia Ann Yates; her son, Earl Thomas Yates, Jr.; her parents, Paul and Martha Schilling; her sister, Frieda Emma Keehn; and her nephew, Arthur Keehn.

Emma is survived by her daughters, Gisela Williams (Stan), Brenda Damon (Rick) and Barbara Marshall (Jeff); 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends. She dearly loved her big extended family. Some grands called her “Granny” and some called her “Oma”.

Visitation will be 11 am to 12 pm on Friday, July 3, 2020 at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, 1395 Girard Drive, Louisville, Kentucky 40222. A Mass to celebrate Emma’s life will be 12 pm at the church. Interment will be private at Louisville Memorial Gardens West.

Memorials may be made to Mass of the Air.

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