Charlene "Cookie" Yates of Rockford departed this earthly life May 5, 2025. She was born May 5, 1950 in Alton, IL the daughter Lucille Givens and R C Moore. Charlene lived in Rockford since 1989 coming from Chicago, IL . She was employed as a Sorter by Sperry Uinvac 12 years before retiring.  Charlene also was employed by Walter Lawson Children's Home. She was a member of the Rosedale Club in Chicago. She attended schools in Alton.

Charlene leaves to cherish many loving memories, son, Jonathan Ross; daughter, Chantel Ross; 11 grandchildren;17 great grandchildren;  three sisters, Doris Manning, Debra Span, and Wanda Ross; brother, Darell Ross; a host of nieces, nephews cousins other relatives and friends including her special niece/daughter, who she raised, Tarquisha "Tiki" (Tyrone) Anderson. She was predecease by her daughter, Annette Small; parents, Lucille Ross and RC Moore; five brothers, Jerry, Terry, Howard and Keith Ross and Ricky Moore.

Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 16, 2025 at Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home Inc. 200 N. Johnston Ave.  Visitation will be held 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.