Shelia Head Ratekin Tusha

Shelia Head Tusha passed away Friday, July 29, 2016 in Ft. Worth, TX. Born February 14, 1945 to Anna and Billy E. Head in Levelland, Texas, she spent her first year in Levelland and Abilene while her father served in World War II (Pacific Theater). The family moved to Mobile, AL., Galveston, and back to Mobile, finally settling in San Angelo. Before graduating Central High School in 1963, Shelia participated in Tri-Hi-Y. From an early age, Shelia’s passion was dance. She studied at the June Taylor Dance Academy (New York, NY), eventually teaching at June Taylor (Rome, NY). Shelia married James Matthew Ratekin October 18, 1964. They lived in Massachusetts, Alaska and the Philippines before returning to San Antonio when Shelia was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1974. Shelia and her children returned to San Angelo where Shelia worked for Beltone Hearing Aid Service as an Audioprosthologist, retiring in 1996 due to M.S. Shelia maintained a positive attitude, never letting M.S. stop her from participating in her children and grandchildren’s lives. Shelia participated in Walk to Emmaus, was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church, Journey Sunday School Class and Sanctuary Choir, Past Matron of Chapter #10 the Order of the Eastern Star, Worthy Advisor of the Rainbow Girls and long-time member of Suez Daughters of the Nile. Shelia is survived by her mother, Anna Head Lewis of San Angelo, five children, Kris Ratekin, wife Sarah, and children Faythe, Andrew, Myranda, and Emily (Noblesville, IN), Brent Ratekin, wife Karen and children, Colby, Joshua, and Julie (Bullard, TX), Deidra Ratekin Keane, husband Paul and children, Amber and Austin (San Angelo), Randy Tusha, wife Michelle and children James, Anthony, and Marissa (Cabot, AR), Cory Tusha and children Jakob and Erek (Cabot, AR), and former husband Lynn Tusha (Carlsbad, NM). She is preceded in death by her father. Family extends appreciation to the Shannon nursing staff specifically Drs. John Harvey and Chris Vanderzandt. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at First United Methodist of San Angelo. The family requests people wear bright colors to celebrate Shelia’s life. Memorials can be made in Shelia’s name to First United Methodist Choir Fund, or Kindred Transitional Care Hospice of Ft. Worth. Family and friends can sign the online register book at www.harper-funeralhome.com