Shirley Ann Yauk

Shirley Ann (Foster) Yauk peacefully passed away on July 7, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of faith in Christ, abundant joy and a life lived to the fullest. Shirley was known to everyone for the love, faith and positivity she shared, the joy she spread and the compassion she exuded. 

Shirley was born on September 18, 1946, in Palo Alto, California to Gerald P. and Betty (Talbot) Foster. Her growing up years were spent in Pasadena, California. In 1960 the Foster family moved to Pakistan where she attended the Karachi American School while her father collected data for his dissertation. Upon leaving Pakistan in 1962, the family traveled through India, Lebanon, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Switzerland, France, England, Scotland and Denmark. They returned to California briefly before finding their final home in Denver. After graduating from Denver South High School in 1964, Shirley took classes at Rockmont College in Longmont (now Colorado Christian University), Colorado State University, and Biola University. After changing majors and colleges several times, Shirley worked for three years as a bridal consultant. Upon advice from her father, Shirley was directed into education and went on to graduate magna cum laude from Sterling College, Kansas in May 1971. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education and a minor in history, and later obtained her Master of Arts in special education: learning disabilities from the University of Northern Colorado in August 1977. 

Shirley met her husband Wayne on a blind date, and they married three months later on January 19, 1980. Together they built a home in Windsor where they spent their entire lives in service to the community. As recognition for their contributions, they were honored as grand marshals for the 89th annual Windsor Harvest Festival parade in 2010. Shirley treasured living in Windsor and said it was home. To her, it felt like a gift of God to raise her children in town, to find Wayne, to be able to teach, and she loved every minute of it. 

Teaching children was a passion Shirley pursued throughout her life. She taught for 40 years, starting in Goodland, Kansas (1971-1979) and ending in Windsor’s elementary schools of Mountain View, Tozer and Skyview (1979-2011). 9News presented Shirley with the 9 Teachers Who Care Award in September 2004. Even after retirement from Skyview, Shirley continued educating children through home tutoring, and she and Wayne loved helping homeschool their grandchildren together. 

Shirley cherished her mother’s mentorship and followed in Betty’s footsteps by using music to reach out to people in all kinds of ways, including to share the Gospel and other biblical messages. Music gave Shirley great personal joy. Her family fondly remembers her harmonizing any songs she sang. She was known for her music ministry at a couple of nursing homes in Windsor, both while working (she started the first grade “Adopt-A-Nursing-Home'' program) and after retirement. If you knew Shirley, it was likely you received or knew about her writing of rhyming Christmas letters, family, and other poems and songs. One of Shirley’s songs, “Ode to Windsor” is a historical record, a song celebrating Windsor’s centennial celebration in 1990. Shirley was gifted in writing and directing musical plays and organizing countless programs for her school classes as well as for church at Christmastime and for Vacation Bible School. As a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, she was also involved with teaching Sunday school lessons, AWANA, singing in the choir, and in small-group ministry. Shirley and Wayne traveled to Belize as adult sponsors with a Bethel group in 2006 to minister to children in a Bible school and help with building projects there. 

Family meant the world to Shirley. Memories were made by hosting friend birthday parties for her children growing up, taking them to the pool, and making sure roller skating and other activities were part of life. Time together in Winter Park and Silver Creek made for some highlights, and travels with and to see grandchildren and other extended family were valued. Shirley was generous with time and money toward her family and others, especially including support for Wayne in his business endeavors. Shirley always made the Yauk house feel like a home. 

Shirley described herself as a people-person, and she was rarely at a loss for words. Attention was often drawn to her zest for life because of her loud voice and indistinguishable laugh. She also did not lack boldness. As an example, she was known to jump out and dance with “Jews for Jesus” as they came through in Windsor Harvest Festival parades. Shirley enjoyed her quiet moments as well, including activities like swimming, walking, watching movies, and reading her Bible and other books. 

Shirley is survived by her husband Wayne; stepdaughter Dawn (JD) McConkey of Greeley, son Dave Yauk (Katie) of Fort Collins, and daughter Lauren Yauk (Kenlyn) of Portland, Oregon; grandchildren Naomi, Jesse, Levi and Analise Yauk; mother-in-law; two brothers-in-law and four sisters-in-law; cousins; nephews, nieces and their families. Her parents Gerald and Betty Foster, brother David Foster, her father-in-law and a brother-in-law preceded Shirley in death. 

Shirley Yauk will forever hold a dear place in our hearts. Her selfless nature and testimony of unwavering faith will continue to inspire us all. Let these Bible verses that shaped Shirley’s life be an encouragement to us: Galatians 2:20-21, Luke 6:38, and Romans 8:28. 

Memorial Fund: 

Details If you wish to contribute a gift in Shirley’s honor, please visit two of her favorite charities: 

● Mercy Ships ( mercyships.org )

● St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital ( stjude.org )

Celebration of Life Service:

 A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 2 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Windsor, Colorado. Friends, family and all those whose lives she touched are invited to join in celebrating her legacy. A reception will be held after the ceremony. Bethel Lutheran Church is located at 328 Walnut Street, Windsor, CO 80550.