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Phyllis Eileen Yarchuska Whitten

Phyllis Eileen Yarchuska Whitten

Sunday, August 19, 2018

Phyllis Yarchuska Whitten, 74, passed away on July 7,2018 in Austin, TX. Phyllis was born in Uvalde, TX on Nov. 9, 1943 to James Mervin Brown and Katherine (Young) Yarchuska. Phyllis spent her youth in San Marcos. As a teenager, she was employed at one of the original Chili Dog stands. In her early 20s, she became a cosmetologist and worked for Joyce Wallace at her shop just off the square in San Marcos with 5 other operators. There she met many new friends and clients.

Always an adventurer, she embarked on a new career later in life with the Internal Revenue Service. She spent many years in the Austin facility and also several years writing manuals in Houston, before returning to her beloved Austin. She retired from the IRS when the “Big C” entered her life.

While in Austin, Phyllis embraced its lifestyle. She could be at the Armadillo one night and Eeyore’s birthday party the next day. Then there was always Halloween on Sixth Street with all its outrageous costumes and, of course, Willie’s 4th of July picnics.

Phyllis started her “bucket list” soon after her cancer diagnosis and treatment. She traveled through Europe, took cruises, went parasailing, and took many trips to her favorite place on the Texas coast, Port Aransas. She also got a tattoo that embodied her - A Texas Tornado!

Although, her time here on Earth was cut short, FiFi (as she was fondly known by to all her family and close friends), loved life and lived it to the fullest.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents and a nephew, Chase Andrew Reed.

She is survived by 2 sisters, Sandrea Reed and husband Martin of New Braunfels, and Karen Doebbler and husband John of San Antonio. She is also survived by 4 nieces: Vickye Reed Kreis and husband Kenny, Shanna Reed Dudley and husband Ian, Kelli Reed, Dianna Doebbler McCoy and husband Matt; 2 nephews: Brett Reed and wife Sarah, and John Doebbler Jr and wife Tara, 7 great nieces, 4 great nephews, 3 great great nephews, along with numerous Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and her best friend, Carolyn Phelps.

She will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to call her sister, FiFi, or friend.

Cremation was arranged by Fuller Sheffield Funeral Home in Austin, TX. Her ashes will be spread in late December.

San Marcos Record

(512) 392-2458
P.O. Box 1109, San Marcos, TX 78666