Sharon Ann Dykes
Sharon Ann Dykes, 70, of Horseshoe Bay and formerly of Lubbock, died Nov. 29, 2010, surrounded by her family after a lengthy illness. She was born in 1940 in Ballinger.
She was the third of four daughters born to J.G. and Mary Lou Tuckey. She spent her youth there, attended Ballinger schools and graduated from Ballinger High School. She married her high school sweetheart, coach William Taylor “Spike” Dykes, on Aug.16, 1958.
They had three children and spent their early years traveling across Texas while her husband coached high school football in various small towns including Coahoma, Eastland, San Angelo, Belton, Big Spring, Alice and Midland.
They joined the University of Texas at Austin staff in 1971. She bought and sold many homes and moved many times by herself with the children, dogs, cats, and fish while he went ahead to coach football.
The family settled in Lubbock in 1984 and became a part of the Texas Tech University football family, remaining there until her husband’s retirement as the Red Raiders coach in 1999.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Lubbock, where she faithfully worshipped until their final retirement to Horseshoe Bay. She loved traveling, gardening and the arts.
She was a gentle and unselfish friend to all and will be remembered for her quiet strength of character.
She was a devoted wife, mother and a true lady.
In addition to her husband of 52 years, she is survived by sons Rick and wife Shelley, and Sonny and wife Kate; daughter Bebe Petree and husband Larry; grandchildren Jessica Dykes Oatman and husband Mark, Julianne and Dusty Dykes, Casey and Taylor Petree, Alta Caroline Dykes, and another on the way; sisters Linda Reinhart and husband Dick, Dian Pack and husband Charles, and Cynthia Devlin; eight nieces and nephews and their spouses and children; and the Mullet coaching family.
She was preceded in death by her parents and mother-in-law Alta Taylor Dykes.
The family thanks the staff at Raider Ranch, her special caregivers there, and Interim Hospice for their care.
Memorials can be made to the Sharon Dykes Memorial Alzheimer Research/Educational Fund, c/o First Capital Bank of Texas, P.O. Box 94008, Lubbock, TX 79493
A memorial service is 2 p.m. Dec. 2 at the First United Methodist Church in Lubbock. Arrangements handled by Rix Funeral Directors, 1901 Broadway at Avenue S in Lubbock, (806) 763-4333.
For online condolences, visit www.rixfd.com.