Marilyn R. Yates, 78, of Dodge City, Kansas passed away July 16, 2026 at St. Catherine Hospital-Dodge City after a 6-year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born December 5, 1947 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma to Aaron and Emma (Root) Hartness.

In April 2016 she married Ronald Yates in Dodge City, Kansas. Marilyn initially kept records for their rentals and multiple family businesses. She later worked as a secretary for several businesses and then as an insurance processor for Hartford Insurance until her retirement.

Marilyn adored her daughter, and grandchildren and would do anything they asked especially frequent sleep-overs including early morning runs to McDonalds for pancakes and then making 'potions' (mixing various perfumes, food items, and whatever else grandma had around the house) while watching Saturday morning cartoons. There were also many trips to the sand dunes in Oklahoma and California, and the Colorado Rockies for vacations, mostly camping and riding four-wheelers.

Marilyn is survived by her husband Ron of the home; her daughter, Debby (Klassen) Slattery and husband Wesley (Dodge City); step-sons Tyce Yates (Winfield), Lancer Yates and wife Misty (Haven); sister Karen Warren (Liberal); brother Mark and wife Barbara Hartness (Augusta); grandchildren Joshua, Emmaly, and Jared Slattery; step-grandson Andrew Yates. She is also survived by several sisters-in-law and two step-brothers-in-law, along with many nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on July 22, 2026 at Swaim Funeral Home in Dodge City. There will be no public viewing as cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Sunporch of Dodge City or American Cancer Society are suggested, in care of Swaim Funeral Home, 1901 6th Avenue, Dodge City, KS 67801. Thoughts and memories may be shared on the online guestbook at www.swaimfuneralchapel.com.