Fay Farrar Yates
May 16 1937 - July 30, 2025
Fay Farrar Yates, age 88, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025, in Boulder, Colorado. Born on May 16, 1937, in Houston, Texas, Fay lived a vibrant and impactful life marked by her deep love for family, education, and the beauty of the world around her.
A proud graduate of the University of Alabama, Fay was a spirited cheerleader for the Crimson Tide during her college years. Her enthusiasm and energy carried through every chapter of her life. She received her master’s degree from the University of the Incarnate Word. She dedicated her professional career to teaching—a vocation she embraced with passion and pride. Fay's teaching journey took her across Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Japan, and several military bases in Germany, touching countless lives along the way with her commitment to education and cultural exchange.
Fay's heart was always with her family. She is survived by her three daughters: Rena Baisden (Clint), Ruth Keeler (Paul), and Wendy McCurdy. Her legacy continues through her five beloved grandchildren: Matthew McCurdy (Tabitha), Anna Kupcha (Tom), Marshall McCurdy, Luke Kupcha (Yeva), and Will McCurdy. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Celestine Ruth Morley and Azel Ivy Kupcha.
She leaves behind her sister, Ruth Poole, and her niece and nephews: John Poole, Chris Poole (Traci), and Jennifer Cox (David).
She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas C. “Jerry” and Clare Farrar; her husband, Bob Yates; and her son-in-law, Ron McCurdy.
Fay was a woman of many passions. She found joy in gardening—cultivating not only flowers but also beauty wherever she went. A world traveler at heart, she explored far-off places with curiosity and joy. An avid reader with an insatiable appetite for knowledge and stories, Fay also delighted in supporting her grandchildren's athletic events, academic milestones, and artistic performances. She never missed an opportunity to cheer them on or share their accomplishments with pride.
A devoted member of the First Congregational Church of Boulder, Fay found strength in community and faith throughout her life.
Those who knew Fay remember her as larger than life—fiercely loving, deeply protective, endlessly encouraging. She had a gift for lifting others up during difficult times and celebrating their triumphs as if they were her own. Her presence filled every room she entered; her absence will be felt just as profoundly.
Fay leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, generosity, and kindness. She will be deeply missed by all those she touched.
May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.
A funeral service will be held at First Congregational Church, 1128 Pine Street in Boulder, on Saturday, August 9, at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow immediately at the church. A reception will follow immediately at the church.
Fay’s Celebration of Life
Saturday, August 9th, 2025
11:00am
First Congregational Church
1128 Pine St.
Boulder, CO 80302
