Shelby Sykes

Shelby J. Sykes, 80, an East Wenatchee resident for over 40 years, passed away on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at her daughter's house in East Wenatchee. She was born on December 4, 1937 in Anguilla, Mississippi to the late Jeremiah "Jepp" and Velma (Spurgeon) Evans. She was the ninth child out of ten brothers and sisters. At an early age, the family moved to Canby, California. She was raised in Canby where she received her education. She married her neighbor boy growing up, Herbert V. Sykes, on August 9, 1952 in Reno, Nevada. They briefly made their first home in Canby, prior to moving to Hayfort, California. Later, they moved to Hendersen and the Red Bluff area of California. They moved to Central Washington in 1975, settling briefly in Chelan and Grand Coulee before moving to East Wenatchee in July of 1977. She had worked at the little drive inn diner in East Wenatchee, that was previously on Grant Road where the Jet Pro Car Wash is now located. She worked as a seasonal sorter at Tree Top and McDougall and Sons and in 1986 they purchased a bakery cake supply business, known as the Cake Plate, here in East Wenatchee. She last worked as a cook at a daycare center, known as "Amazing World," where she became known to everyone as "Grandma Shelby." She loved and hugged the many children throughout the years, and all the girls (employees) shared many memories of laughter together. In the late 70's, early 80's, she played softball with two of her daughters for several years in California and continued in the Wenatchee Valley where she became assistant coach for her other daughter's softball team. Shelby and Herbert also participated in several bowling leagues at Eastmont Lanes. They continued to make their home in East Wenatchee. She retired in June of 2012. They enjoyed traveling, camping and fishing and had even recently purchased a Pontoon boat. She loved fishing on "Mom's Pontoon Party Barge" at Bank's Lake, Mardon Dock, Seven Bays and trips to the Colombia River with friends and family. She is survived by her husband, Herbert V. Sykes, East Wenatchee, WA; Children: Deborah "Debbie" Tincher, East Wenatchee, WA; Kenneth (Tina) Sykes, Newport, WA; Rebecca "Becky" Jester, Wenatchee, WA; Cindie (Ron) Burgess, East Wenatchee, WA; Sister: Peggy Tauton, Anderson, CA; and 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and eight brothers and sisters. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2018 from 12-5 pm, at Heritage Memorial Chapel, located at 19 Rock Island Road, East Wenatchee. You are invited to visit her online tribute at HeritageMemorialChapel.com and leave a memory.

Shelby Sykes

December 4, 1937 - December 27, 2017