Austin, Texas, August 7, 2025
News Summary
Roxanne Louise Knorr Yates, a beloved community leader and advocate for Girl Scouts, has passed away at the age of 80. Her contributions to community service and her family have created a lasting legacy, particularly through her leadership roles in local and national Girl Scout organizations. Many will remember her as the first female president of the Roswell Rotary Club and for her dedication to empowering young girls in her community.
AUSTIN, Texas – Roxanne Louise Knorr Yates, a cherished community leader and advocate for Girl Scouts, passed away on August 1, 2025, at the age of 80. Her immense contributions to community service and her family have left a lasting impact on many.
Born on April 28, 1945, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Roxanne was the second of four siblings. In 1948, her family relocated to Artesia, New Mexico, to be close to her paternal family. As a child, she spent her summers exploring nature at the family cabin in Ruidoso, further fostering her lifelong love for the outdoors.
Roxanne’s early life was shaped by personal tragedy when her father passed away in 1959. Her mother later remarried Verlon Davis, the principal of Artesia High School, creating a blended family that included stepsiblings and foreign exchange students. Roxanne excelled academically and first found her passion for leadership through Girl Scout Troop #6, where her involvement formed the foundation for her lifelong commitment to community and service.
In 1957, her troop raised funds for a training trip to the Our Cabaña Girl Scout Center in Cuernavaca, Mexico, which marked a significant point in her young life. During high school, she applied to be a Rotary Exchange student and spent a summer in Helsinki, Finland, which molded her international outlook and appreciation for cultural exchange.
Roxanne graduated from Artesia High School in 1963 before pursuing higher education at Trinity University and New Mexico State University. It was during this time that she reconnected with Fred Yates, who she eventually married in 1966. After graduating with a degree in elementary education from the University of Arizona in 1968, the couple embarked on an eleven-week camping trip across Europe in 1970, fostering a spirit of adventure that would characterize their life together.
After moving to Tularosa, NM, in 1972, Roxanne taught first grade, while Fred launched a commercial pecan business. The family later settled in Roswell, NM, where Fred transitioned into the oil and gas industry, and Roxanne became deeply engaged in the local community. She poured over 23 years into Girl Scouting, serving in various leadership roles, including the first female president of the Roswell Rotary Club. Her influence extended to the national level as a member of the Executive Committee of the National Board of Directors of Girl Scouts of the USA
Roxanne’s commitment to international scouting took her to countries such as Ireland, India, and Switzerland, further enhancing her belief in service and leadership. She was a devoted mother to three daughters and took great pride in watching her family grow, imparting values of compassion, leadership, and community service to each generation.
For over fifty years, Roxanne maintained a cherished family tradition of writing Christmas letters, often accompanied by a full family photo. Music also played a crucial part in her life; she was known as an accomplished vocalist and instrumentalist.
Roxanne is survived by her husband of 59 years, Fred G. Yates, along with three daughters, five grandchildren, and numerous siblings. She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather, and her grandson, Cole Pemberton. Family and friends are invited to a memorial service scheduled for August 30, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church in Roswell, with memorial donations requested for the Roswell Symphony Foundation.
FAQ
- What contributions did Roxanne Yates make to the community?
- Roxanne was deeply involved in Girl Scouting for over 23 years and served in various leadership roles, including the first female president of the Roswell Rotary Club.
- When and where did Roxanne Yates pass away?
- Roxanne Yates passed away on August 1, 2025, in Austin, Texas.
- What was Roxanne’s early life like?
- Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Roxanne spent her early years in Artesia, New Mexico, where she excelled academically and developed her leadership skills through Girl Scouts.
Key Features of Roxanne Yates’ Life
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 28, 1945 |
| Death | August 1, 2025 |
| Main Contributions | Girl Scouting, Local Community Leadership |
| Education | University of Arizona (B.A. in Elementary Education) |
| Significant Travels | Europe, Africa, Australia, Cuba, India |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Roxanne Yates Obituary
- Wikipedia: Roswell, New Mexico
- Girl Scouts USA: Our History
- Google Search: Roxanne Yates Austin Obituary
- Girl Scouts: Our Cabaña
- Google Scholar: Girl Scouts Leadership Roles
- Dignity Memorial: Austin Obituaries
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Juliette Gordon Low
- Dignity Memorial: Roxanne Yates Details
- Google News: Girl Scouts USA
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
