Natures Pantry Founder DiesNatures Pantry Founder Dies

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.Ann Yates, an industry retail icon and founder of Natures Pantry in Knoxville, Tenn., passed away in late October; she was 59. Yates founded Natures Pantry more than 30 years ago, after her son, Ben, was diagnosed with severe allergies, which mainstream medicine couldnt address. Yates also opened a holistic wellness center, Well By Nature, in 2002, which offers everything from acupuncture and yoga to healthy cooking classes. She was active on both a regional and national level with the industrys trade associations, serving as president of the Natural Products Association-Southeast (NPA-SE) from 1999 to 2000. Ann is survived by her father, daughter, son and two nieces.