Mariola Yates

Mariola Jo Yates, 64, of Cape Girardeau passed to heaven's gate Sunday, May 8, 2022.

She was born Feb. 19, 1958, in Kennett, Missouri, to Dr. Elbert Pearson and Hester Wayne Sissom Petty. She and Raymond "Bubba" Jennings Yates were married Oct. 23, 2004. He preceded her in death July 11, 2019.

Mariola was vibrant and was the homecoming queen of Southland High School in Cardwell, Missouri.

Above all else, Mariola adored her children -- Michelle, Sarah Jo and Anna -- and four grandchildren. She was able to spend valuable time with her grandchildren who was precious to her. It was never questioned that Mariola's children and grandchildren were the center of her life. Her days started with her children with daily phone calls, and she went to bed with thoughts of them. More than anything, Mariola was a happy and outgoing woman who had a lust for life. She thoroughly enjoyed her good friends in her swimming club that met daily, a lunch brunch that gathered weekly and core group of friends she spoke to via phone, text and/or Facebook.

Mariola loved to travel and made several international trips to Germany, England, France, Switzerland, the Bahamas and Mexico to name a few and recently started enjoying cruise ship vacations. Her favorite destination was the beach and specifically Destin, Florida, so she could spend time with her brother. She in fact had planned a big trip to Destin the day after her passing.

Mariola Jo was a retired special education teacher and thoroughly enjoyed working with children. She earned a bachelor's degree in 1984 and a master's degree in 1993 in secondary education, both from Arkansas State University. She also completed multiple post-graduate certifications that helped support her passion for working with children with special education needs. The children especially liked Mariola as she had a special needs child herself. Mariola worked at Black Rock School in Black Rock, Arkansas, and retired from Brookland Middle School in Brookland, Arkansas.

Survivors include three daughters, Sarah Jo (Eric) Kelley of Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, Anna Marie (T.J.) De Bie of Wellington, Colorado, and Michelle Rose Glueck of Cape Girardeau; brother, Dr. Gregory C. (Samantha) Petty of Destin; four grandchildren, Jackson Curtis Kelley, Monroe Abigail Kelley, Case William De Bie and Caroline Rose De Bie; and former husband, Roger William Glueck of Marmaduke, Arkansas.

Mariola was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Raymond "Bubba" Jennings Yates; and sister, Linda Jean Fritz.

A celebration of life will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Port Cape Girardeau.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers contributions be made to VIP Industries, 1330 Southern Expressway, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.