Sister Annarose Yakstas, OP

Sister Annarose (aka Sister Herman Joseph) Yakstas, OP, 92, of Springfield, died peacefully at 3:35 a.m. on July 25, 2006 at Sacred Heart Convent, the motherhouse of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield. Sister Annarose was born on March 7, 1914 in Greenridge, IL, the daughter of Adam and Anna Miksus Yakstas. After graduating from Sacred Heart Academy, Springfield in 1932, Sister Annarose was accepted as a postulant (candidate) by the Springfield Dominican Sisters. She professed her vows in January of 1935. She earned her Bachelor of Music Degree from DePaul University, Chicago and a Masters in Music Education from the University of Illinois, Champaign. It was well known that Sister Annarose enjoyed music! Until recently she entertained clients at St. John’s adult day care program as well as sisters and guests who visited Regina Coeli, the retirement facility at the motherhouse. Her “performances” included piano accompaniment, inspirational reading and prayer. Sister Annarose’s music ministry experiences included choral directing, teaching voice, piano, organ and violin as well as being an accompanist In Illinois she taught music at St Mary’s Litchfield, St. Thomas Crystal Lake, Routt High School Jacksonville and Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights. Her musical talents were also shared with students and adults in the states of Michigan, Minnesota, and Mississippi. Sister Annarose once wrote that her greatest satisfaction was gained through her students’ desire to continue music study and a willingness to participate in church and civic functions. Sister Annarose was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers: Louis and Alphonse, and her three sisters: Sister M. Leon (also a Springfield Dominican), Judy Rakestraw and Theresa Fillis. She is survived by four nieces and four nephews and by her Dominican Sisters with whom she lived and ministered for 74 years. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 27, 2006 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Convent Motherhouse, 1237 W. Monroe, Springfield. A Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 28, 2006 at Sacred Heart Convent , with Rev. Peter Witchousky, OP as presider. Final Commendation and Burial Service will follow with burial at Calvary Cemetery. The family and Dominican Sisters of Sister Annarose Yakstas, OP are being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.