Natalie J. “Cookie” Yeater, 84, of LaPorte, died peacefully at 3:55 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017, at Golden Living Center, LaPorte.
She was born Oct. 26, 1932, in Kingsbury, IN, to Thomas Lee Bales and Helen (Gray) Bales.
Natalie owned Gator Bowl in Three Oaks, MI, with her husband and had worked at Prairie Tavern, Rolling Prairie, IN. She was a diehard Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed crocheting. Natalie always loved spending time with her family and friends.
Her family wishes to extend its deepest appreciation and love to Cindy, Bonnie, Cheryl and all the wonderful people who cared for Natalie at Golden Living Center, LaPorte.
On Sept. 6, 1952, in LaPorte, she married the love of her life, Roland C. “Rocky” Yeater, who preceded her in death on Nov. 30, 2012.
Also preceding her in death were her parents and grandson, Jeffery Stam.
Surviving are four children, Vicki (Rob) Stam of Holland, MI, Tom (Carol) Yeater of LaPorte, Cindee (John) McKie of LaPorte and Debbie (Joe) Shinn of Michigan City, IN; brother-in-law, Bill (Lil) Yeater of Michigan City; 10 grandchildren, Michael (Andrea) Stam, Katherine (Ray) Carrelle, Kristopher (Michelle) Stam, Kimberly (Gordon) Wilson, Lynn (Kevin) Boyd, Curt (Chasity) Yeater, Joshua (Angela) McKie, Chad (Tricia) McKie, and Kendall and Nathan Shinn; and 10 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at noon Saturday, Jan. 28, at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, with Pastor Nate Loucks officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 10 a.m. until the service. A private burial will take place in Kingsbury Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Heart Association, 6100 W. 96th St., Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46278-6005 or at www.heart.org in memory of Natalie J. Yeater.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.LakeviewFHC.com.