Nellie Joe "Jackie" Yarotsky

Nellie Joe "Jackie" Standley Yarotsky, age 92, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, November 30, 2022. Born in 1930 in Livingston, Texas, she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

After graduating from Livingston High School, Nellie Joe worked for Humble Oil in Houston, Texas. She met her husband Marvin while attending an art class at the University of Houston. The two of them married in 1949 and raised five daughters. In her mid-40’s, Nellie Joe earned her Bachelor's degree from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. She had an avid interest in art, ceramics, and flowers - especially chrysanthemums. Nellie Joe and Marvin’s passion for chrysanthemums led them to lecture at garden clubs and to judge shows locally, nationally, and internationally. She served as President of several garden clubs including Men's Garden Club of Houston and the Houston Chapter of the National Chrysanthemum Society. She also studied Japanese floral design and earned the title "Ikebana Master".

Nellie Joe "Jackie" was preceded in death by her parents, James Edker Standley and Blanche Coogler Standley of Livingston, Texas; and her husband of 67 years Marvin Michael Yarotsky. She is survived by her five daughters Karla Lewis and husband Bartley (Houston), Lori Yarotsky (New York), Nana Midcap and husband Skip (Houston), Sheila Yarotsky (Richmond); and Brenda DeSanto and husband Jerry (New Jersey); seven grandchildren Tamara Alexander and husband Jason, Zachary Lewis and wife Eva Laporte, Levi Midcap, Nathan Midcap and wife Ashley, David Midcap, Mandi Chambers and husband Michael, and Aaron Jacobson; and five great grandchildren Xavier Alexander and Talia Alexander; Gracie Midcap and Sadie Jo Midcap; and Thea Haley Chambers.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 8, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home. The Celebration of Life Funeral Service will occur on Friday, December 9, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Spring Woods United Methodist Church, 1711 Cypress Creek Parkway (FM 1960), Houston, Texas 77090. A Graveside Service will be at 1:30 p.m. later the same day at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Spring Woods United Methodist Church by visiting www.springwoodsumc.org .