Connie Ray Yates

Connie Ray Yates, 77, passed away Thursday, November 30, 2023. Connie was born on February 9, 1946, in Salina KS. She was the eldest daughter of Bonnie J. (Taylor) (Show) Fuller and John R. Show, Sr.

She worked at Wyatt Manufacturing; Meadowlark Day Care; Durham Bus Service and OCCK. Connie was a loving mother to her two children Debbie and Ronnie.

She enjoyed bowling and having fun with friends at the bars, but she never did anything dumb when at the bars.

Connie loved anything to do with Elvis Presley and puzzles. She would enjoy any KU games and she could watch the basketball games differently. She loved being with family and friends.

Connie enjoyed life even more once she had three grandchildren. Connie’s enjoyments in life were watching and visiting with children, whether it be her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, the children at the daycare or driving the school bus.  The children enjoyed being around her as much as she enjoyed being around them.  She would travel to see their sports games and music concerts at school. She would even travel out of state just to see one of her children and one of her grandchildren, anytime she could.

She enjoyed driving the school bus with the kids. She would even take along her mother and grandchildren when she was working. Then when she went to work for OCCK she was driving people around on their bus too. She would even take her grandchildren from time to time just to meet different people and show them how they should be treated. She loved everyone she met while working for the school bus and OCCK. She always supported her family and friends. She would help them if they asked and even when they did not ask. She had lots of nieces and nephews that she would support and go travel to see their sports, school events.

Connie became a member of the First Baptist Church, Salina, KS on March 16, 2008.  She enjoyed visiting and helping her church family. Her favorite bible verse was Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

She is preceded in death by both of her parents; her beloved dogs; and a nephew. She survived by her children, Debbie Cooper, Ronnie Freeman (Stephan Clements); grandchildren, Krystal Hendrix (Jordon Hayden), Jesse Freeman (Tiffany Ray), and Ryan Cooper. As well as her brother, John Show Jr (Lois) and sister Joyce Show, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

There will be a graveside service at Gypsum Hill Cemetery, 2020 E Iron on Friday, December 15th, 2023, at 2 p.m. There will be a luncheon following the service at Connie’s house, 1100 N 11th St, Salina, KS.

Memorials can be made to the family, in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 7th St, Salina, KS, 67401.