Ethel T. Yokes

Yokes, Ethel T. “Neomi” (Nee Owen) of Grafton, went home to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on August 7, 2016 at the age of 86. Ethel, born May 25th, 1930 in Shawano WI, was the 15th of 17 children of Elmer and Lela (nee Meverden) Owen. Times were not easy for a family of that size during the depression years so her nine older brothers, five older sisters and two younger sisters learned the value of hard work and cooperation at an early age. Ethel moved to the Chicago area when she was in her teens and met her husband, Ronald whom she married on April 23rd, 1949. They had seven children and she was a devoted wife and mother dedicated to creating a meaningful home life for the family while supporting her husband’s career in broadcast technology which often meant relocating every few years. Their moves took them from Grafton, WI to Iowa, California, Illinois, back to California, New Jersey and finally back to Grafton, WI where they lived since 1976. She was the “glue” that held their family together, often as a semi-“single” parent because her husband’s work involved so much travel. Through the years, Ethel earned a certificate in Business, and kept the family books. She also enjoyed crafting, playing cards with family and friends, antiquing, crocheting and there was often a jigsaw puzzle on her table that was fair game for kids and later grandkids. She volunteered as a Girl Scout leader and Boy Scout den mother and in her later years she and her husband were volunteers for “Meals on Wheels” and were strong advocates for Portals, Inc. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Grafton. Ethel was a gracious and caring woman who had a special gift for remembering people’s names no matter when in her lifetime she met them. It was not unlike her to send family or friends a card, often homemade, with birthday wishes or just to encourage and uplift them. In her later years, Ethel began writing a book about childhood as one of 17 children, and her own family, caring for her husband and 7 children. Her story also included her perspective on the evolving social status of special needs children as it documents the parent’s advocacy efforts on behalf of a daughter with Down’s Syndrome. In 2009, she was so pleased when her daughter and son-in-law presented her with copies of her book “Across the Miles” to share with family and friends. Ethel is survived by her husband of 67 years, Ronald and children, Joanne Elliot, Randall (Diane) Yokes, Diane (Scott Ihlenfeld), Valerie (Craig) Colburn, Mary (Jeffrey) Pierce, James Yokes and Sara Yokes. She was grandmother of Steve (Terri) Mackey, Marques (Erica) Mackey, Tim (Beth) Yokes, Dan (Kristina) Yokes, Marie (Eric) Miller, Leah (Dave) Stauber, Ava (Danny) Holdmann, Amanda (Aaron) Casper, Avery Pierce, Hayden Pierce, and Garrett Yokes. Ethel is further survived by her sister Mildred Antos, and 10 great grandchildren: Malia and Madison Mackey, Sidney Mackey, Ana and Emma Yokes, Jocelyn and Adeline Yokes, Nora and Declan Miller and Ella Holdmann and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her nine brothers: Lester, Delbert, Roger, Harland, Aloysius, Russell, Wilfred, Cread, and Milton Owen and her six sisters, Evelyn Heinrich, Veronica Kasper-Lewis, Susan Bero, Catherine Dalum, Harriet Dillon, Mary Rizzo. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, August 12th, 2016 at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1619 Washington St. Grafton, WI. Interment at St. Joseph Cemetery will take place immediately after the Mass. Guests are invited to stay for a luncheon following the Mass to visit and reminisce with the family. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday, from 9:30-10:45 AM. Memorials to Columbia St. Mary’s Ozaukee Campus or Portal Industries of Grafton are appreciated. Please visit www.muellerfuneralhome.com to send online condolences to the Yokes family.