Vivian M. Yates, 81, of Clarissa passed away peacefully on April 16, 2009, at the Central Todd County Care Center in Clarissa.  Funeral services for Vivian were held on Tuesday, 2:30 p.m., April 20, 2009 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church with Pastor Melissa Ehrhardt officiating.  Interment was held at Woodman Cemetery in Clarissa. 

Vivian was born to Irvin and Minnie Dickinson on August 15, 1927.  She married Ira Yates on December 27, 1946 and they made their home in Minneapolis and Columbia Heights for many years.  Upon retirement, they moved to Hewitt and then to Clarissa 14 years ago.

Vivian graduated from Clarissa High School in 1945 and then attended the Minnesota School of Business in St. Cloud for secretarial studies.  She worked briefly before having children but her great profession was that of “Mother.”

She was an avid Minnesota Twins fan (a trait that she handed down to her granddaughter).  Vivian always enjoyed trying out new recipes and entertaining friends and family.   Anyone stopping by for an impromptu visit could always count on a tin of cookies or a platter of cake along with a cup of good coffee. 

Vivian relished travelling anyplace in the United States and especially trips to their lake cabin near Bovey, Minnesota and reunions of her husband’s Army 12th Armored Division where she met many new friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents and brothers Hollis and Wallace.

Vivian is survived by her husband, Ira, and three children, Ione of Clarissa, Donna of Shoreview and Wayne (Mary) of Clarissa.  She was especially proud of her three grandchildren, Lori, Mark and Brian.  She is also survived by sister-in-laws, Mavis Dickinson of Clarissa and Dorothy Yates of Long Prairie as well as 13 nieces and nephews and numerous great-nieces and nephews.