Patricia Sharon Yates, a woman of immense strength, faith, and boundless kindness, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026. Born in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, on December 28, 1942, Pat dedicated her life to nurturing her family and serving her community.
Pat’s life was defined by her vibrant joy for life and love of cooking. After devoting her early years to raising her children, she went back to school to obtain her nursing degree. She went on to touch countless lives at St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia, serving patients until her retirement in 2017. Her family will always cherish the memories of her gathering everyone together, filling the room with joy, and serving meals prepared with love.
Pat was a cherished member of St. Mary Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, the Council of Catholic Women, Cursillo, and she regularly shared her time as a volunteer for the Lifeboat Alliance.
She is survived by her son, Chester Tussey, and his wife, Tricia Franscavitch; her sisters, Mercedes Swambar (Jim) and Dolores Brashear (Jim); her niece and nephews, Debbie Swambar-Dixon (Bill), Chris Swambar (Becky), Jeffrey Brashear (Kristi), and Kevin Brashear (Laurielle); her son-in-law, Dan Morgan; and several beloved grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
Patricia was preceded in death by her Parents, Peter S. Smalley and Margaret Laverne (Shipman) Smalley; Husband, Don Yates; and Daughter, Teressa Lynn Morgan.
A Visitation will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, IL. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026, at St. Mary Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Mt. Vernon, IL, with Monsignor David Darin and Deacon Mark Kabat. Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery in Radom, IL.
Memorials may be made in Patricia’s honor to St. Mary Immaculate Conception Church and Lifeboat Alliance.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
