Family pay tribute to Bewdley murder victim
The family of a retired teacher who was found murdered at her cottage just over the Shropshire border on the outskirts of Bewdley have paid tribute to her, describing her as a vivacious and popular person who was extremely caring.
Police investigating the stabbing of 77-year-old Betty Yates at her cottage Riverscroft, off Dowles Road, Bewdley, have renewed appeals for witnesses and information as they hunt for her killer.
Mrs Yates, who taught locally before she retired, had lived at Riverscroft for more than 30 years. She had been there alone for the last seven of those years since the death of her husband Raymond to whom she had been married for more than 50 years. Before his death he had been the director of a Pensnett-based company called Zone Controls.
Mrs Yates, whose body was found on Wednesday morning is survived by her son David and daughter Hazel, and elder sister Joan.
Betty Yates who was found murdered at her cottage on the outskirts of BewdleyA family tribute released by David and Hazel today said: "Our mother was a vivacious, independent and popular person. She had a lovely character and was extremely caring. She was also very fit and active for her age.
"Naturally we are extremely shocked and saddened at the manner of her death and at this time we do not know whether we will ever come to terms with that. Thankfully we were able to spend some quality time together when we all got together over Christmas and those are now our final, treasured memories. We will always remember her with love and affection - as well as being our mother she was a true lady.
"We do not understand why or how anybody could have done this and we would urge anyone who has any idea about who is responsible or has any information at all to come forward and tell the police."
Mrs Yates was well known in the area and was a member of Wyre Forest University of the Third Age, an activities group for older people. She hosted book readings at her home and was also a member of local art and walking groups as well as Bewdley Civic Society. As well as walking she kept fit with regular swims at a hotel in Bewdley.
Police cordons remain preventing access to the track leading to her secluded riverside cottage while forensic examinations continue at the property and on surrounding land.
More than 40 police officers and staff are working on the murder inquiry, based from a Major Incident Room set up at Stourport Police Station.
