Mildred Benson Yates peacefully passed from this earth into the Hands of God on June 18, 2023, in Katy, Texas. Mildred Benson was born on September 15, 1928, to Roy and Margaret Bradford Benson in her maternal grandparent’s home on Gay Street in Menard, Texas. On September 2, 1947, Mildred married James D. Yates of Eden, Texas She was a descendent of a pioneer ranching family of Menard County. She attended Ellis School until 5th grade, then the family moved into town where she completed her public schooling by graduating from Menard High School in 1945. They lived in Alpine, Texas while James attended and graduated from Sul Ross College in 1948. Mildred and James made stops in Plainview, Hereford, San Antonio before settling in the Spring Branch area of Houston in 1965, as his career flourished. Mildred helped James throughout their marriage as he worked for the Federal Land Bank, Southwestern Life Insurance and ultimately when they established their own real estate appraisal business, James D. Yates, MAI and Associates, in 1967. Their travels across Texas continued as they moved from Houston to Katy to Pattison before retiring in Menard to their residence on Live Oak Street.
Mildred and James were members of the local Church of Christ where they resided with James being active in many leadership roles, including being an elder of the congregation. They loved entertaining and graciously opened their home for many parties, luncheons, showers and family gatherings. In her retirement years in Menard, she was always happy to drive family or friends to SanAngelo for appointments and shopping. She also enjoyed visiting and playing Bingo with the residents of the Menard Manor. After the death of James, Mildred relocated to Carriage Inn Cottage #21 in Katy, Texas. Mildred was affectionately known as Mini, by her five grandsons and four great grandchildren. They were the light of her life. She attended sporting events, choir recitals, award ceremonies and was always ready for a fast-food run to the various schools. Mildred was active, supportive, strong and caring. She exhibited faith, hope and love in her daily life always ready with those bright blue eyes, a smile and a kind word. A true example of a godly woman and a grand lady.
Mildred was preceded in death by her parents Mema and Roy, husband James, infant daughter Evalon Kathryn, daughter Karen Ranae Yates Lagrasta, son-in-law Douglas Hale, sister Ramona Benson and husband Joe Cooke, sister Helen Benson Landers, and sister Lila Benson and her husband Bob Baron.
She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Diana Yates Hale, son-inlaw Steve Lagrasta, her five grandsons: D.J. Hale and wife Nicole, Derrick Hale and wife Jessica, Dalton Hale, Michael Lagrasta, and James Lagrasta; along with her four great grandchildren: Aidean Rainey, Madeline Yates Hale, Savannah Renee Hale and Riley James Hale as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A graveside service was held on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at Rest Haven Cemetery in Menard.
In lieu of flowers, cards and leers to the family are encouraged.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home of Menard.
Please view Ms. Yates’ online memorial at www.heritagefuneralhomes. com