Mary Thaler Yates attended the Antonian School of Nursing, graduating in 1943. After her passing in October of 2004, her daughter Joyce Geisler created the Mary Thaler Yates Memorial Scholarship at St. Anthony Regional Hospital. The scholarship was established to benefit individuals who have an LPN degree and wish to earn their RN degree. Special consideration will be given to students who have demonstrated commitment and aptitude to continue their education.

In planning this memorial scholarship, Joyce recalled her mother saying how grateful she was that someone cared enough to help her pursue a nursing career.