Anita Gail Yates, age 68, of The Plains passed peacefully on March 6, 2023. She was born to the late Robert "Bob" Yates and Martha B. (Simpson) Yates on December 17, 1954 in Chillicothe, Ohio. Anita grew up in Wellston, Ohio and was a 1973 graduate from Wellston High School, where she played the flute in the Wellston Golden Rocket Marching Band. She received an associate degree as a Medical Assistant from Hocking College in 1975. Anita worked for the Athens Messenger as a Wellston Correspondent, an EMT-A for SEOEMS, a Medical Transcriptionist for O'Bleness Hospital, and an Administrative Assistant, among other roles, at Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine for over 32 years. Upon retirement, she began working as the secretary at The Plains United Methodist Church where she was a longtime member for over 30 years. Anita enjoyed spending time at Holden beach with her friends, "The Beach Bags", listening to her daughter sing, sitting in the sun on her deck, and cuddling with her puppy, Jack. She loved to reminisce of days gone by and enjoyed telling stories about the fun times she had with her good friends Susie, Steve and many others. She loved her friends with all her heart and spoke of them often. But most of all, she truly loved spending quality time with her family and friends. Affectionately called "Nini", "Momma Bear", "Munch" or "Neeters" by close family and friends, she will be remembered for her big smile and loud, infectious laugh. Anita had the ability to find the silver lining, even in the hardest of times. She was a dear friend to many and a wonderful, loving mother. Anita will be dearly missed. But now we need to ask, "Who will now carry the mail?" She is survived by her daughter Martha Beth (Yates) Flinn and son-in-law Robbie Flinn of The Plains; her brother Robert "Greg" Yates of The Plains; aunt, Nellie (Simpson) Brisker of Sugar Grove, as well as many loving family and friends.   Calling hours will be Thursday, March 9th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston.  A Celebration of Life service will follow the calling hours at 1 p.m. with Rev. Douglas Flinn and Rev. Vincent Pontius officiating.  In keeping with Anita's wishes, cremation will follow the service.  Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com.