Sheila Yorke

Sheila Yorke died Sunday, October 10, 2010. Born November 11, 1944, in Yoakum, Texas on her mother’s 27th birthday, Sheila struggled with medical problems most of her life. Diabetes, which was diagnosed in 1952, took its toll by causing blindness, kidney failure, amputation of both legs, heart attacks, strokes and finally death. Still she believed in living her life to the fullest.

Sheila began her accounting career in 1964. She worked for several CPA firms. Branching out on her own, she established Yorke Bookkeeping Service, for which she successfully served a number of satisfied clients. She retired January 31, 2002, due to medical problems.

Among the accomplishments Sheila was most proud were helping to develop the local chapter of the American Diabetes Association, establishing the local chapter of the National Kidney Foundation, serving on the Audit Committee of the Austin Diocesan Credit Union for three years, serving as Treasurer of the Oak Hill Business and Professional Association for three years, and presiding as its President in 2000. She was named Citizen of the Year for 1999.

Her mother, Alice Schwabe Jones, preceded her in death.

Survivors are Frank Yorke, her husband of 42 years, her daughter, Tamra Fowler of Austin, granddaughter Victoria Ramirez and her husband, Ramon of Washington, D.C., brother Glenn Schwabe, and grandson Jarred Simons, of Austin. Also, daughter and son-in-law, Deanna and Robert Phillips, granddaughters Roberta and Alexa Phillips of Malvern, Arkansas. Grandsons, James and Jonathan Simons of Burnet, Texas, brother, Robert Schwabe of Pacifica, California also survive.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, with recitation of the rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 14, 2010 in the Emmaus Catholic Church, 1718 Lohman’s Crossing in Lakeway with Reverend Samuel L. Hose, Celebrant. Interment will follow at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Memorial Park.

Sheila believed that flowers are for the living, so she asked that in lieu of sending them for a funeral, send them to a loved one in her honor. Also, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.