Betty Jo Yoast

Betty Jo Yoast, 78, of Cedar Creek, died on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009, after suffering a massive stroke on Nov. 21. She was born on Jan. 2, 1931, in Creedmoor Texas to Joe W. Carson and Carrie Lock.

She was married to Ernest Ray Yoast on Nov. 16, 1949, in Creedmoor, Texas. She retired from the IRS after 20 years as a tax examiner. Even when she worked outside of the

home, she was always a dedicated and devoted wife and mother. She continued to devote herself to ranching, travel and her family after Ernest”s sudden death in 2004.

Up until her stroke, she continued to distinguish herself as an astute ranch woman capable of cutting a “deal” in classic Texas style.

Survivors are daughters and sons-in-law: Claire and Chris Panagopoulos, of Nashville, Tenn., and Karen and Keith Petovello, of Lansing, Mich.; son and daughter-in-law, Allan and Judith Yoast, of Dale, Texas; sister and brother-in-law, Peggy and David Dickens, of Buda, Texas; and grandchildren, Megan Yoast, of Greenville, Ill., and Joshua Bristol, of Lansing, Mich.

Visitation will begin at 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11, at Marrs-Jones-Newby Funeral Home in Bastrop with the family present to receive guests from 5 – 8 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009, at the Cedar Creek United Methodist Church located at 5630 FM 535, Cedar Creek, Texas 78612.

Arrangements under the care and direction of Marrs-Jones-Newby Funeral Home, 505 Old Austin Highway, Bastrop, Texas 78602. (512) 321-2576.