May 15, 1929 - March 30, 2026

Patricia (Patty) Ann McCracken Robertson went to Heaven at Beehive Assisted Living in Rio Rancho, NM, on Monday, March 30, 2026, at the age of 96. She was born on the McCurdy Mission School campus on May 15, 1929, to Violet (Munns) and Dr Glen F. McCracken in Santa Cruz, NM.

Patty was baptized at 10 years old in the Santa Cruz River by her father, who helped run the mission for 40 years. She was a lifelong Christian and an excellent pianist. At age 5, Patty learned to play "Jesus Loves Me" for her Sunday School class. Each week thereafter, she studied a new hymn to play for the kids.

She also was valedictorian of her high school graduating class, where she gave her speech in Spanish. She went on to donate her musical gift, playing piano and organ for groups including Valley View and Santa Cruz United Methodist churches in Española, along with area weddings and funerals. She gave countless piano lessons. Patty was the pianist for the singing group Las Conquistadoras, a trio that sang traditional songs at local churches and benefits and whose profits benefited the Española Hospital. She was a lifetime member of Daughters of the Nile and belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star, Adah Chapter 5; she was faithful pianist for both. She also belonged to the P.E.O. Sisterhood.

The family would like to express gratitude to Ruth Haney of Roadrunner Hospice and the caring staff of Beehive Homes of Enchanted Hills, Rio Rancho.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Clarence H. Yates, Jr., Harry D. Wise, and Ronald E. Robertson; and her brother, Philip G. McCracken of Greensboro, NC.

She is survived by her three children: Stefani Yates-Groff (Richard), R. Lynn Chesky (Joe) of Corrales, NM, and David P. Yates (Connie) of Jarales, NM; five grandchildren: Casie S. Jaramillo (Kenny), Sara N. Romero (Emilio), Eric M. Natzke, Jessi L. Yates, all of Albuquerque, and Courtney R. Yates of Belen, NM; seven great-grandchildren: Shawn H. Maddox (Camille) of Albuquerque, Jackson K. Summers of Belen, Seth and Eli Romero and Connor J. Yates, Sawyer and Chloe Kirmer, all of Albuquerque; and nieces, Bonnie Yates of Española, Peggy J. Sheets (Neal), of Gonzales, LA, Barbie Nester (David) of Smithfield, NC, Susie Curry of Richmond, TX; and nephews, Mike McCracken (Trish) of Sparks, NV, and John Yates (Sara) of Las Vegas, NV.

In Patty's words: "God has always provided for me and protected me. In Him I've always put my trust. My favorite Bible verse is Psalm I. I pray this by memory."

Services will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at Grace Methodist Church, (formerly Harwood Methodist Church), 420 San Lorenzo NW, Albuquerque, NM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: McCurdy Ministries, 362A S. McCurdy Road, Española, NM, 87532, or to Shared Table, 1309 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte, El Prado, NM, 87529.