RAPID CITY | Josephine Colleen "Jo" Yates, 86 of Rapid City, died Monday December 16, 2013 at Rapid City Regional Hospital. She was born July 31, 1927, in Des Moines, Iowa to Andrew and Edna McGee Tinlin. She was the eldest of 7 children born to Andrew and Edna and also had 3 older half-sisters. She was born to humble beginnings and was a very self-educated woman who always strived to better herself in all ways. On February 22, 1946 she married Andrew Yates in Los Angeles, CA. The couple resided in California for the next couple of years during which time they had their first child, Gregory Yates. Andrew re-enlisted in the Air Force and they were transferred to Anchorage, Alaska, then to Valdosta, Georgia, and on to Glendale, Arizona where their second child, Dawne Yates was born. The next assignment took them back to Alaska for 4 years. At the close of that assignment, they ended up here at Ellsworth AFB. While stationed at Ellsworth, Jo also worked on the base as secretary to the Base Commander, the Wing Commander, and the Hospital Commander. Jo then took a Civil Service position for the Air Force at Rivet Mile at Ellsworth. She retired in May, 1985. She was an avid square dancer and enjoyed spending time with her friends. Her greatest joys were her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and other family members. Her family was always her priority and she never missed an opportunity to be there for them with great joy and pride. She showered them with love and affection and treated them all with unconditional love. She is lovingly called "Super G"short for Super Grandma, first coined by her deceased grandson, Brandon Yates. She was devoted to her family and loyal to her friends. All of Josephine's family and friends were enriched by her love, kind spirit and heart. She was accepting of all, wise, and eternally giving. Her conversations always revolved around how you were doing rather than about herself. She was loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her and will be sorely missed by everyone. Survivors include her son, Gregory Yates, Los Angeles, CA; daughter, Dawne Yates, Rapid City, SD; 2 brothers, Dick Tinlin, Camp Verde, AZ; Andy Tinlin, Wichita Falls, TX; a half-sister, Erma Kerrigan, Laguna Woods, CA; 3 grandsons, Warren Yates, Santa Barbara, CA; Justin Yates, Idaho Falls, ID; Christopher Yates, Valencia, CA; 2 granddaughters, Dreely Cowie, Rapid City, SD; Brandy Tabor, Rapid City, SD and 2 great-granddaughters , Keanna and Shaylee Cowie, Rapid City, SD; 1 great-grandson, Ryder Yates, Santa Barbara, CA. Jo's funeral was on December 21, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Peary Wilson officiating. Burial followed the funeral at Mt. View Cemetery in Rapid City, SD. The family suggests memorials to the American Lung Association or the American Cancer Society.