Belva (Burkman) Yeager

Aunt Belva, Grandma, DaeHow, and Mom- many names for a woman who connected so many.

Ada Belva Yeager was born in Lueders, TX to Walter and Beaulah Burkman, the youngest and only girl of four children. More than anything, she was a woman defined by family; there was no one that she would not invite in or try to make a plate for. Following her mother’s example, she became the anchor for a family of her own. Her love was unconditional and passed down in every hug, kiss, sugar-cube, birthday card, and phone call.

A hometown girl all her life, she did travel far with her dear husband, Air Force Master Sergeant Claude Hale Yeager, during his deployments and their later family vacations. their love showed through in the way that they tenderly took care of each other and those around them. They faced hardships, but always together. Regardless of circumstance, they always filled their home with friends, family, and lots of laughter. Her husband preceded her in death July 22, 1992.

Her first and only paid job came after graduating from Lueders High School, sewing on the assembly line at the Cisco Glove factory, but her working days were never over. She volunteered her time in Band Boosters, PTO, as a local AARP officer, and serving the Cisco Senior Nutrition Program as a founding member and on the board of directors. She was a member of the Primitive Baptist Church of Cisco, and attended services there until its closing, then attending the Cisco Nazarene Church. She was also an ever-available babysitter and chauffeur for those she loved, which included everyone.

She was a steadfast Cisco Lobo fan, and could be found on the sidelines of every child, grandchild, or great-grandchild's game, cheering on generations of kiddos well into her 90’s. 

Her home was always bright and welcoming for visitors old and new. When relatives would come down, conversation and endless rounds of 42 were reason enough to have just one more cup of coffee. She enjoyed fishing, tending the flowers, feeding the birds, and most of all, being with family.

Though we each hurt at the loss of such a fundamental example of love in our lives, we take comfort in knowing that she has more than fulfilled her purpose on this earth. We know that she is rejoicing in reunion with those who passed on before, and will be eagerly waiting to welcome us with a hug around the neck when she sees us again. 

Survivors include; daughters Claudia Yeager, and Margaret McKinney and husband Tim; grandchildren; Aaron McKinney and wife Rachel of Bethany, Oklahoma, Shareah Parson and husband Tyler of Whitesboro, Texas, Noah McKinney of Abilene, Tabitha Saunders and husband Seth of Galveston, Great Grandchildren; Riley, Clarity, and Reagan McKinney, Gatlin, and Hurley Parson. Belva was preceded in death by her husband and a son Brett Walter Yeager.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cisco Senior Nutrition Program in her honor.

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