I often think of Janie, and was stunned when I Googled her today to see what she was up to. Sharp intake of air. I guess I should have realized Janie was growing older, but when distance and time separate you, you always think of people as being just as they were when you knew them years ago, I knew Janie through theater when I lived in Iowa, and was privileged to perform under her direction in Agnes of God, work on props for her in The Glass Menagerie, and perform as part of the TJ Theater group. I will never forget these experiences and consider them major accomplishments in my life. Oh, Gil. I'm so sorry. I recall sitting around your dining room table doing a cold reading of Agnes. That entire production was such a cathartic experience for me from the get go. I recall her asking me to write a short vignette for a Mother's Day production which evolved into my writing a fair amount of the script for the show. She did know how to get work out of people, didn't she? I was also saddened to read here of Patti Mott's passing. I would guess she and Janie are keeping the stages of heaven lively, which is good for me. I have always worried heaven might be boring. No chance of that now. Janie was truly one of a kind, and even though we were out of touch, I shall miss knowing she is still part of this earthly life.

Ms. Yates was my theatre teacher at City High from 1974-1977. I had so much fun in those productions. I wasn't very talented, but she always found a place for us in those productions. She worked us hard, but the results were always visible on the stage. My favorite was The Wizard of Oz; I also can sing all the words to all the songs in My Fair Lady, thanks to her. She was a wonderful teacher and it sounds like she kept on being wonderful after she retired. My sympathy to all who mourn her passing; you are blessed because she was important in your lives.

To all of Janie B's family, friends, and former students,

Janie Yates had an infectious smile and energy that transposed to her students and her activities. I will always remember her in our living room leading the students to be the best they could at the first annual Forensics meet held at City High. Janie was an organizer and talented presenter. The Iowa City Community has missed out on her expertise these last few years, but her memory will live on for a long to come.

I think she would have loved her celebration presented in Three Acts with Tom as moderator. It was a perfect memorable good bye. Thank you to Tom and the entire family for sharing.

Dear Gil, Tom, Martha, Janie's grandchildren and great-grandchildren,

I am so sorry to hear of Janie's passing, and equally sorry that, unfortunately, I was unable to be there at the memorial service last Thursday. When God brought Janie into this world, He gave the world a gift. There is not a CHS drama and English student who didn't love Janie B. She captured our hearts, and stirred our emotions when working with us on shows. Janie inspired many hundreds (if not thousands) of us to pursue teaching as our career path. And many more to pursue theatre professionally. Your wife, mom, and grandmother and great-grandma was a delightful and loving person. She taught me about learning to know myself, and was really a mentor and a "second mom" to me while I was at City High and since.

Dear Tom and family,

I am so sorry to hear of Janie's passing. She was without a doubt my favorite teacher in high school. My fondest memories of high school were of spending time with her in drama activities.

Dear Gil, Martha and Tom,

There are no words to express my sadness at the news of Janie B.'s passing. My love and thoughts are with each of you.

I was so fortunate to have had Janie B's wisdom, love, and support in all my years during and since high school. I recall when I first encountered the "scariest teacher at City High," & overcame my fear to ask if I could be a part of her drama family. She welcomed me with open arms and I feel that I have been a part of that family to this day. She allowed me to be who I am, and though I have never made a living from the passion she saw in me, it has enriched my life and those of many others immeasurably. God bless Janie B., mentor and friend. Love Joan

Thinking of your family at this time. Doc gave me the confidence to go for choosing acting as a career, which guided me life for many years. Tom, you and Doc helped me a great deal my senior year, and I thank you always for it.

Having Janie as a teacher changed my life. She taught me that great literature was mine to explore. I was channeling her last week as I explained to my son why the book of Genesis should cap off his summer reading. She taught me that I was an actor, but told me not to pursue theater as a vocation if I could be happy doing anything else. I became a happy teacher. She taught me the power of language, insisting on being addressed with her title of Dr. as a way to push back against sexism. She, along with Gil, taught me important truths about marriage as I watched them support each other's talents, and as she explicitly told me the dangers of not making enough time for your spouse. Gil's gentle presence during all those out-of-town forensics meets was a gift. She taught me to push through dark times and, at a critical time, offered the firm and loving assurance that I was not alone. Janie will live in my heart forever.

Tom and Martha,

Gil, please accept our condolences upon the loss of your wife. Since our 'kids' knew her through church, they always took all the classes of hers that they could, perhaps to see a friendly, smiling face in front of them. She was certainly one of a kind. May the Lord fill the void in your life with His comfort and love. George and Carol Schuldt

I wished I had gone to school in Iowa City and had the chance to know Janie as a teacher. I didn't get to know her until after her retirement and she directed Agnes of God for ICCT. However, I had heard of genius before that and relished the time I had to learn from her as I helped with the set building. All the young people and the careers that they have built because of her are a tremendous legacy. GIl, you and the family are in my prayers.

Any student of Doc Yates knows that we're supposed to write about what we know. I know:

Dear Tom & Martha,

Dr Yates -- who took us seriously and taught us to write.

Tom and Martha

In high school, your mom and you two also helped me find refuge when I was in a wilderness of fear and ignorance. She taught so many of us to stand tall, know what you want to say do it clearly. I will be out of town so will miss the service. She is part of who I am today and I am blessed for it as are you two.

Thanks for sharing her with us.

Dr. Yates, I will miss you.

Tom and Martha:

I was very sad to hear about Aunt Janie. She was truly a remarkable woman. Extremely bright, witty and talented. I use to love when we came to visit you guys. Not just because you two were so cool to Becky and me, but also because your folks were cool too. Genuinely neat people. When we moved to Virginia, our families lost touch, but I always felt a special attachment. Like we were kindred spirits separated from our NC roots. Anyway, my thoughts are with you and your families. I love you guys.

Tom (Prez), Martha, and family,

My condolences to Tom and the rest of the family. Great memories of Mrs. Yates teaching 'Bible as Literature'. Very nice lady who positively impacted a lot of students lives.

My condolences to Tom and family on the passing of your Mother. I loved being part of her drama performances. It provided me with lasting, fun memories! My prayers are with you all. Pat Cozine Hollrock

Mrs. Yates-glandorf was a remarkable woman who inspired so many to dream big and work hard. I will forever remember the times I was able to speak with, her amazing personality and spirit. Please except my condolences for your loss of this remarkable woman.

I have such wonderful memories of Janie - from City High, from her theater collaborations with my mother (Patti Mott), from her fundraising for AIDS awarness with her TJ Meyers Theater, and especially when I processed her papers for the Iowa Women's Archives. It was then that I got to know the woman beneath and beyond her talents and passions. There is something profound in Iowa City losing both Patti and Janie this month. They both gave so much to the artistic community. May their legacies live on in future generations.

Janie was one of my best teachers, but to me as to so many others she was a force to be reckoned with in plenty of other ways. Her standards of rigor inspired me to be my best and do my best in her classroom as well as the rest of my endeavors. Her love of both classical music (an enormous part of my life through high school) and puns (a defining characteristic of me to this day) helped bond us into a friendship that spanned decades and was an invaluable source of support as I struggled through some of the most difficult parts of my life. Gil, Martha, and Tom, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you and your families that the fond memories of the good times you shared together will help ease your grief.

I finally found my niche when I joined Janie Yate's Jr. Rep Theatre at City High when I was in the 8th grade. Janie welcomed me and enabled me to take something seriously. It was great fun working in the theatre with her. I learned some of my best life lessons with her. She was an extraordinary woman and I am so thankful that we worked together for those years I was an adolescent. Thank you, THANK you, Janie B. Yates. You opened so many doors within me.

She was my favorite teacher. She taught me to love the theatre. I later went to college but refused family funds until they understood I wanted to go to school for drama. In the 70's we had the ability to be taught to go to college to follow your passion and not go for work and Mrs. Yates taught me to follow my dream. I currently don't work in Theatre but never felt I had to. I am educated about my passion and working in a field that I am skilled. She introduced me to Dante, Shakespeare , Moliere, Hemingway. She had an impact on my life in a way she would never know and it was a privilege to be her student. Condolences to her loved ones.

Janie Yates was my English teacher during my sophomore year of high school. I remember walking into her classroom that first day and instantly realizing that this was going to be different from any of my other class. She was interested and interesting, and she strove to open a whole world to her students.

Doc Yates demanded excellence from her students, but she also cared deeply about their development and progress. I remember my shock at getting a C on my first paper for her - the only C I've ever gotten in my life - and then the pride I felt in her praise after getting an A on the next one.

She has enriched so many people's lives, and I'm grateful for the opportunity that I had to be her student. My condolences and respects to her family.

Tom & Martha,

So sorry for your loss, Janie was an amazing woman. My favorite teacher of all time, she had a huge impact on my life. She was very special, I'll never forget how she believed in all her students. May she rest in peace.

Dear Gil, Tom and Martha: The memories of each of the posters reflect my own impressions of Janie. She had a tremendous impact on my high school experience and how I have lived my life. From my first audition for "Annie Get Your Gun" at City High, her passion, dedication and ability to draw out imagination and creativity to a stretch, best limit was inspiring and motivational. I still hear her insistent urging as she coached; her exasperated bark when time was getting short, and her soft Southern "yes" with a gentle laugh when she knew she and we had done all we could to our best. And Janie's mentoring and interest in others continued well beyond school days; she remained interested and involved. She was a remarkable woman of influence and accomplishment and I am grateful her family shared her with so many others.

In 1969, our family had just moved to Iowa and my sister Fran and I began high school at City High. My first clear positive memory was auditioning for "Annie Get Your Gun" and meeting Mrs. Yates. She was a phenomenal teacher and director who instilled confidence and a love of theater for all of us involved with Paint and Patches (drama club.) "Janie B." (and Glenn Jablonski, may he rest in peace) had a huge effect on my life and career. They loved teaching and their students. I will be forever grateful to Mrs. Yates. Love and condolences to Tom and Martha.

Dr. Yates had a great influence on my writing. I already knew the mechanics, grammar, spelling, but she taught me how to create an argument and support that argument with relevant examples. She taught me structure, technique and how to go beyond the five paragraph essay. She taught me to recognize themes and symbols, and to read for enjoyment, but also to turn a critical eye toward meaning. All of these skills have helped me in my current PhD studies. I had a revelation not too long ago that the way I teach my undergraduate students to make an argument is directly out of the Dr. Yates playbook, and the ability to identify themes is something I do in my current research. Apparently, everything I needed to know, I learned in English 10 Honors!

Janie Yates had a profound effect on my life; I think she knows that, but I wish I could tell her one more time.

In my freshman year at City High School, Dr. Yates was my drama instructor - I was more interested in set design and construction than acting. Thankfully, she was very supportive of my approach and gave me room to be creative behind the scenes.

Dear, Uncle Gil, Tom, and Martha,

Tom,Martha, and Gilbert (and family) condolences to you all at your loss.Janie was an exceptional person who has a very warm place in my heart. One of my favorite teachers of all time, who had a huge impact on my life. Teachers have the unique position of direct influence.to have a huge impact on their students. A.real gem with a firey personality that I will never forget. Rest in Peace Janie!

Janie was an exceptional woman who inspired students and changed lives. My whole family was enriched by her continued presence at Iowa City High School. I am deeply saddened by her passing, and send my condolences to Gil, Tom and Martha. She was one of a kind!

I am sorry to hear of Janie's passing. I know she had a great impact on a lot of people in her life, especially her students. She had a special bond with me and my daughter 9 years ago before her illness set in. Katie, Janie's great-grandaughter was born on Janie's birthday and Janie was thrilled about this event. Janie was able to meet Katie a few years after she was born. It is unfortunate that we only got to visit Janie and Grandpa that one time and never got back up to Iowa to visit them. Janie will be missed but I know that she put quite a mark of herself on earth with her teachings. She is in God's hands now and she is no longer in pain. She will be waiting for her loved ones when the time comes. Prayers and thoughts are with the rest of the family during this difficult time. You will be missed Janie, God Bless! Love Paula, Katie and Glenn Fisher

Dear Tom and Martha,

Janie was the best thing to happen to me in my entire educational career. I don't know what I would have done without her or where I would be. I certainly would not be teaching and may never have found the faith to do so many things with writing, music and the arts. Thank you for always making me feel welcome when I've come back. My deepest sympathies.

Dear Tom and Martha

I will miss not knowing she is here on earth with me. Yesterday I did a google search to make sure that I hadn't missed something happening to her. I found that your Dad passed away just a month before my Dad. I don't think you will ever know how much I will miss"Mrs. Yates." She was an interesting woman who more than anything tried to make everyone feel good about themselves. I was blessed to have known her and to have known you both and your family (including Moose.) My last time to see her was when she hosted Debbie, Tom and I at her apartment for a "Tea Party." What fun. She brought a simple goodness into the world and I am so sorry that her light is gone.

Love

Rachel Huffman Hammer

Janie Yates is why I am the kind of drama teacher that I am today. She taught her students to excel and to aspire to a high level of professionalism, even at the high school level. I have passed that on to my students. When I first started teaching and directing, I contacted her for advice - directing was so different than what I had expected. She not only gave me advice, but she sent copies of worksheets and lesson plans that I still have. I know she made sacrifices so that we could have experiences that would shape our lives forever. Thank you, Mrs. Yates. My prayers go out to her family.

Dr. Yates was my drama director and my English teacher, and she has left an indelible mark on my writing, my teaching, and my ideas. I appreciated her high standards, her sense of humor, and many of the lessons she imparted. I still have papers I wrote for her classes with her comments in the margins, and remember performing monologues and scenes from Shakespeare and Shaw.

I remember Mrs Yates from 1966 and then she was teaching at South East Junior High in Iowa City. I remember her as a very fair and respectable teacher. I am sorry to hear of her death. I know she touched many students.

Gilbert, Tom, and Martha, you have my deepest sympathies.

Doc Yates will always be a part of my life and memories. Her encouragement and direction sparked my fundamental interest in theatre and performance, an interest that grew into a sustained passion and fruitful career. A Doc-autographed copy of "A Midsummer Night's Dream"-my debut role- still inhabits my personal library of plays and always will.

Her instruction in the classroom, and careful eye for writing rules and style, helped me find my voice and laid the foundations of persuasive writing that has aided me in all my professional and creative endeavors.

She lives on in the hearts, minds, and memories of all of her students and our successful lives are a testament to the quality of her direction.

I am honored to have been her student, to have performed under her direction, and to have earned her respect as both a student and actor. I do and ever shall hear her voice as I write, and I hope I always will.

Sincerely,

Joe Kirschling

My deepest sympathies to janies family . She was a wonderful and so sweet . She is no longer in pain and at peace. You are all in my thoughts and prayers .