Fay A. Yeager

Fay Alma (Sirman) Yeager, 95, of Cottonwood died May 26 in Tucson. She was born September 17, 1908 in the community of Ashland, in Pittsburg County, Oklahoma. She was the oldest child of Talmage DeWitt and Barbara (Ezell) Sirman. Her parents were famers and ranchers, and she grew up helping with the many chores that are farm related. Along with her two younger brothers, she became an excellent rider, and attended her early schooling at Ashland by commuting on horseback. She later attended schools in Haywood and Baker School Districts, also in Pittsburgh County. She was very family oriented, a trait that remained with her all of her life. That trait was transferred to her own family, when she married William Vernon Yeager on February 18, 1931. Immediately after their marriage, they left Oklahoma to make their home in New Mexico, where their two children were born. During their 56 years of marriage, they worked side by side in several businesses; most of life\u0027s work seemed to be offering services to others as well as being able to be partners together in their ventures. Fay always managed to be a full time mother and housewife as long as the children were home. Her loyalty to her family never waivered. During their later years they were at Flagstaff, living and working on the estate of the Museum of Northern Arizona. Upon retirement they moved to Cottonwood. She was a constant caregiver to her husband after he became ill, and remained dedicated and constant in his care, under very stressful circumstances, until his death. Small in stature, determined in purpose, loyal in relationships, cleanliness next to Godliness, super human strength in times of need, a woman of independence, enduring to the end, we will remember her with love and pride. She is survived by a son, Gene Yeager of Tucson; a daughter Barbara Spray on Lawton, Oklahoma; a sister, Lucille Beckham of McAllister, Oklahoma; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A graveside service will held on Thursday, June 3 in the Cottonwood Cemetery at 10 AM.