Rose Mary Yates, 91, of Wagoner County, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully in Grapevine, TX January 19, 2025. Born on May 9, 1933, to Joe and Laura Faye Henson, she grew up with a spirit of kindness, love, and selfless service that defined her life.

A proud graduate of Okay High School in 1951, Rose Mary held the title of Okay High School Basketball Queen, which reflected not only her athletic talent but also her grace and charm. She married the love of her life, J.W. (Junior) Yates, in 1952, a marriage that lasted 57 years, ending with the passing of J.W in 2009. Rose Mary worked for many years with J.W. in various business ventures together, from grocery stores to fuel stations.

Rose Mary was a devoted mother to her two sons, Stephen Louis Yates and Wesley Joe Yates, and she poured her heart into nurturing her family. She was a beloved grandmother and great-grandmother to many.

She had a passion for basketball, which began in her youth as a player and continued throughout her life as an enthusiastic fan, supporting any team her brother's coached with great fervor. Rose Mary's love of the game was matched only by her love for her family and the joy she found in serving others, especially being renowned for making family gatherings special through her warm hospitality, selfless service and wonderful recipes.

She was preceded in death by her husband, J.W. Yates; her parents, Joe and Laura Faye Henson; and her brothers, J.D., Bill, Lou, Ken, Don, and Jim Henson.

Rose Mary is survived by her sons, Stephen (Steve) Yates, Wesley (Wes) Yates, 8 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

Her legacy of love, dedication, and service lives on through the lives she touched. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Visitation will be at Mallett Funeral Home Monday, January 27, 2025 from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm. Services will be held at First Baptist Church of Wagoner, OK on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 10:00 am, where family and friends are invited to celebrate Rose Mary's remarkable life.