Memorial

Lorraine Ellen Yates, 90, formerly of Cedar Rapids, died peacefully on December 15, 2025, while receiving hospice care. A visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home on Sunday, December 21, 2025. A private graveside service will be held at Linwood Cemetery.

Lorraine was born February 14, 1935, to William Henry Yates and Mae Ellen Walton in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She spent nearly 70 years living in the family home built by her father and brother, a place she deeply loved and where she felt most at ease.

Lorraine had a lifelong love of plants and a green thumb inherited from her father. She also had a fondness for dogs and stuffed animals, embraced adventure and laughter, and found joy in being loving and supportive of those around her.

Throughout her life, Lorraine was supported by family members and friends during different seasons. Cindy Fisher spent several years living with her and providing daily care at a young age. Mike Yates later devoted countless hours to her well-being and home, returning after long workdays to care for her and share meals she especially enjoyed. Elva Jean Stone and her husband, Merle, longtime friends, consistently went above and beyond as trusted advocates and steady sources of support. The family also extends appreciation to Steve Smith, a longtime family friend who checked in on Lorraine for many years and was staunchly protective of her dignity and care.

Lorraine spent the final months of her life at The Cottages at Hearthstone, WesleyLife, in Pella, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her half-brother, Donald Edward Augustine; her brother, William Newton Yates; her niece, Dianna Mae Yates; and her grand-nephew, Billy (William) R. Crosby Jr.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews: Lois Ann Algueseva of Arizona, Cindy Fisher of Washington, David Yates, Mike Yates of Iowa, Jimmy Yates of Iowa, and Michelle Lane (James) of Iowa; along with several grand- and great-grand-nieces and nephews, including Lorelei Lane, who held a particularly special place in her heart.

The family extends their thanks to The Cottages at Hearthstone, WesleyLife, and WesleyLife Hospice for their compassionate care and the personal connections they shared with Lorraine.