Shirley Yetter

1936 - 2021

Shirley Yetter

Newark Valley - Shirley Lawton Yetter ,85, passed away peacefully early Easter morning, April 4, 2021, following a brief and courageous battle with cancer. Shirley was a lifelong resident of Newark Valley, born at home on Brook Street on January 21, 1936. The family soon moved to Bridge Street where she grew up on the family farm. Shirley was a proud graduate of Newark Valley Central Schools in 1953 and Wilson School of Nursing in 1956. On October 20, 1956, she married the love of her life, Stuart Yetter, Sr. who predeceased her on July 8, 1992. Shirley began her nursing career at Ideal Hospital and in 1969, became School Nurse at Newark Valley Central Schools, moving to the new high school shortly after, where she remained until her retirement in 1999. She provided care and often a quiet refuge in her clinic to thousands of students over the years (and also told you to get back to class when you should!). Mom was a devoted member of the East Berkshire United Methodist Church where she served as pianist, organist and choir director for over 60 years. She served in several other leadership roles over the many years in the church and Wyoming Conference, especially with United Methodist Women. During her retirement, Mom was an active volunteer with Newark Valley Project Neighbor Food Pantry, including serving as its president for many years. In addition, she was an election worker for Tioga County for several years. She loved gardening, canning, and keeping her lawn immaculate. One of Mom's greatest joys was to make sure those around her were well cared for, providing countless meals and baked goods to church friends and others when they were in need. Mom's greatest joy, however, was to be surrounded by family. Holidays and special occasions, or just to be together, brought her great joy (including hosting Thanksgiving for the past 40 years, often for over 20 people). She loved cooking and baking for the family and you never left without something to take home. In addition to her husband, Shirley was predeceased by her parents Clair and Sylvia Lawton and brothers-in-law Dale Yetter, Lawrence Yetter and Eldred Conklin. She is survived by her cherished sons, Stuart Yetter, Jr. (Newark Valley), Scott Yetter (Newark Valley) and Shawn Yetter (Owego); her grandchildren who were the light of her life and whom she was so very proud of and loved more than "a bushel and a peck", Eric Yetter (Sarah Reid)(Owego), Douglas Yetter (Peguea, PA) and Elizabeth Yetter (Richmond, Indiana); her beloved great granddaugher Ruthanne Yetter; her favorite big sister Sally Conklin (Cortland); her favorite little brother Merle (Margaret) Lawton (Newark Valley); and her sisters-in-law Janet Yetter (Arizona) and Charlotte Yetter (South Carolina); several cousins and many nieces and nephews and their children, all of whom she loved very much..."Aunt Shirley" will be very missed. She also leaves behind her beloved cat and constant companion Calico. Mom is also survived by countless dear friends who she loved so much and who the family thanks for all their support and love over the years and especially during the past few weeks. Mom's very simple message to everyone would be to "Be kind." In loving memory of Shirley, memorial contributions may be made to the East Berkshire United Methodist Church, c/o Bonnie Klossner, 61 Squedunk Rd. Lisle, NY 13797 or Newark Valley Project Neighbor Food Pantry, 79 Whig St. Newark Valley, NY 13811. Friends and family are invited to a period of visitation at the MacPherson Funeral Home on Thursday, April 8th from 5-8 pm. A private funeral service will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will take place in Hope Cemetery, Newark Valley. MacPherson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences may be written in Shirley's guestbook at macphersonfh.com.