Betty Yates' inspiration remembered by all
Hailed as a pillar of the community Betty Yates was an inspirational teacher who went the extra mile for her pupils.
The much-loved 77-year-old was well-known in the close-knit town of Bewdley and further afield having taught in schools in Kidderminster and Streetly. Her kindness was so appreciated, many described her as a second mother.
But just days after returning from spending a happy Christmas with her family she was found brutally murdered in her idyllic and secluded riverside cottage.
Her sudden and violent death – she was found stabbed in the neck and had been beaten with a stick – sent shockwaves through the community.
Mourners turned out in their droves to pay tribute by laying flowers on a bridge near her riverside cottage. They included dozens of former pupils and friends who gathered for a candlelight vigil.
Some wept openly as candles were lit in memory of the retired teacher, who had worked at St John C of E Middle School, in Blakebrook, Kidderminster, for many years before retiring in 1999.
Ex-pupil Verity Worthington, 29, of Kidderminster, was among those who paid tribute. "She was an inspiring teacher. She went the extra mile and was really before her time," she said.
Verity's cousin Charlotte Mayall, also 29, of Blakedown, was in the same class. "She was an incredibly kind person and really loved the children she taught. I remember all of the extra-curricular things she used to teach us," she said.
Mrs Yates was a member of the Wyre Forest University of the Third Age, an activities group for older people.
The widow was also an enthusiastic swimmer, taking part in regular lessons.
Hundreds turned out to pay tribute to her at a memorial service in Bewdley.
As the community struggled to come to terms with her death, police launched a murder investigation on January 4 – the day her body was found at the bottom of the stairs at her home, off Dowles Road.
More than 60 officers were involved in the search for her murderer. Posters were put up around the town urging people with any information to get in touch.
Searches took place in the fields, woodland and rural areas in the surrounding 16 acres and forensic experts spent many days at the scene piecing together evidence.
It was around six weeks later when police had a breakthrough – and it came in the wake of a second murder.
Rev John Suddards was killed in his vicarage in Gloucestershire. He had also been stabbed to death.
Days later police arrested Stephen Farrow in connection with both murders.
Emotional appeals were made by Mrs Yates son David Yates and daughter Hazel Costello in the wake of her murder.
They paid tribute to her, with David describing his mother at the heart of the community in Bewdley. He said his parents searched for many years to find their dream home.
"Our father, Ray, died almost seven years ago and there was never a possibility in our minds that Mum would want to leave the cottage. She was so happy there – it is a truly beautiful place filled with shared family memories."
Since his father's death, he said she had busied herself because she missed him. She went back to school to help listen to children read. "Many people have described her as a seccond mum," he said.
Despite the violent end to her life, in the house where she had lived for more than 40 years, her children vowed that they did not want their mother's life defined by the murder.
Mrs Costello said: "It seems like it was such a savage attack and it's very difficult to imagine it.
"I never want my mum's life defined by this because it's like a betrayal."
"I refuse to let that sully my memory of my mum there," added David.
Related articles
