Sheila R. Kyle

November 12, 1949 – July 23, 2026

Sheila R. Kyle passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 76 years old.

Born on November 12, 1949, in St. Augustine, Florida, Sheila was the daughter of Ray George and Della (Dawson) George Barkman. Throughout her life, she was known by many names—Grandmother, Bello, Mother, Mom, Mommy, Sheil, Aunt Sheila, and Master Sergeant Kyle. Each name reflected a different role she embraced with unwavering love, strength, and dedication.

Sheila graduated from Fleischmanns High School in 1967, attended Sullivan County Community College, and joined the Army Reserves in 1975, at a time when "your mama wears combat boots" was meant to be an insult. She began her Active Duty Army career in 1980 and served until her retirement in 1999 as a Chief Intelligence Noncommissioned Officer. During her military career, she served as a Supply Sergeant, Chief Interrogator, Intelligence Sergeant, Unit Trainer, among other duty assignments. She received numerous decorations, service medals, and badges. She served her country with the same strength, determination, and no-nonsense spirit that she brought to everything else she did.

While Sheila was deeply proud of her military career, her greatest accomplishment and life's joy was her family. She cared for them fiercely, watched over them faithfully, and provided not only love but wisdom, encouragement, and, whenever needed, practical support. She believed wholeheartedly that every member of her family was capable of overcoming life's obstacles, and she never hesitated to remind them of that fact. Her determination, generosity, and steadfast belief in those she loved will remain one of her greatest legacies.

Sheila was preceded in death by her parents, Ray George and Della (Dawson) George Barkman; her brother, Rick Barkman; and her sister, Shirley (George) Willis.

She is survived by her sister, Nancy (Barkman) Hein; her brother, Wayne Barkman; her children, Jeanne Malaxos, Georgianna Engelhardt, and Nicholas George; her grandchildren, Nicholas Malaxos, Coby Piskacek, David Piskacek, Brett Piskacek, Jenna Rae Piskacek, and Kira Hamrick; and her great-grandchildren, Ryder Malaxos, Freyja Malaxos, David Engelhardt, Rhylee Rae Piskacek, Christopher Piskacek, Theodore Piskacek, and Payton Zellner, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Sheila's family will remember her for her strength, her faith, her service to her country, her sense of humor, and the love and encouragement she gave so freely. She was a woman who showed up, who cared deeply, who believed fiercely in the people she loved, and who left her mark on all of us.

Her family finds comfort in knowing that her legacy lives on in the lives she shaped, the values she instilled, and the enduring love she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A memorial service celebrating Sheila's life will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Catskill Mountain Christian Center, 629 Main Street, Margaretville, New York.