Although acquaintances through their restaurants, we always felt like family when visiting Gumbos and later, Mama Roux.  What a loss for the Austin community and their family.   What a love they had for the people they served, the food they served and for all.    May God bless the family as they suffer through the loss of these two wonderful people.   They will be missed by the many who knew them.

I have known Michael and Yoli since Gumbos on Bratten Lane and they  always welcomed me into their restaurant as if it were their home at all locations. Yoli, as I type this message I recall your smile and how beautiful you were inside/out!  I  chuckle when I think about how many men got in trouble because they were so captivated by your beauty as you escorted them to their table!

When I moved back to the Austin area from Dallas and learned that you all had opened Mama Roux, I was so excited.  It touched my heart when you remembered me after not seeing me for several years.  You all had the most genuine and loving hearts as a couple.  Yoli, you and Mikey are loved and missed by all that met you.  I pray God blesses your family with strength, comfort and peace as they struggle to deal with the loss of two of the most beautiful people I was blessed to meet.

I was a newcommer to Mama Roux's, but was immediately impressed by the owners and their employees.  It was a fantastic evening, and I will miss the Amr's friendliness and their talent for fine food.  Such people deserve so much more; may they rest in peace.

I am so sad to hear about Michael and Yoli.  Michael worked for me at Baby Loue's before Gumbos and he was such a wonderful employee. He delighted our customers with his talents.  I send my prayers to his family.
Lynn Elmiger Keener

We are so devastated at the loss of Mikey and Yoli. We were patrons of their restaurants and especially loved Mama Roux's. As my daughter said "They served heaven on a plate." We send their families our deepest condolences. The Watt Family of Austin, Tx.

They were such special people and I have known them for practically my whole life. Words cannot describe the impact they have had on me and my family.  They were such kind and giving people to humans and animals, even ones that weren't theirs! I loved them so much and hope they rest in peace.

I was shocked and saddened to learn about Mike and Yoli's tragic passing.  We met this special couple when we first ate at their Gumbo's restaurant on Bratton Lane shortly after it opened in 1994. Gumbo's was an instant favorite and we had to have our "Gumbo's fix" at least once or twice a week until we moved out-of-state in 1997, and it has remained one of our all-time favorite restaurants even though we have lived all over the US. Yoli and Mike were such genuinely nice people.  This special couple will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

I was sadden to learn of Mike and Yoli's untimely passing. My sincerest condolences to their family and friends they will be missed.

For the past 13 years, you have been great neighbors and the most loving and caring of friends.  We loved and enjoyed all of your restaurant ventures.  Your volunteer activities on the behalf of the Humane Society and the victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Ike were an inspiration to us, especially our son. We still imagine you driving down the street in your big red Cadillacs.  We miss you terribly. Peace be with you.

Rest in peace, Mike and Yoli.   You will be missed.

Having lived in Baton Rouge for nearly twenty years before moving to Austin, I found a sanctuary in Yoli's Louisiana Kitchen on Bratton Lane. Because it was near my apartment, I'd drop in for a bowl of real crab etouffee now and again. The Amrs' food and friendship cheered me, as did the Baton Rouge memories that we'd share. When the Amrs prepared to relocate, Yoli presented me with a purple and gold embroidered shirt (which I really treasure now!). We lost touch, but I hoped we'd meet again.

Years later, when I heard they were running Mama Roux's, I brought my new wife there so I could brag on the food. Yoli greeted me as a long-lost brother. Mama Roux's menu didn't feature crab etouffee, but I asked for it anyway, for old time's sake. Yoli winked and said, "Let's see what Mikey can do!" Do I need to tell you that Chef Mike made me a glorious stew with as much crab as could fit in the bowl? And do I need to tell you that Yoli sent us some chocolate creme brulee because she was glad to see me happily married? No, I don't have to tell you, because everyone reading this knows that this is how Yoli and Mike lived.

I echo all previous sentiments in saying that I will miss these people more than I can ever express.

Michael and Yoli: YWe have known you since Gumbos on Bratten Lane  and you always welcomed us into your restaurant as if it were your home.  Yoli, the week before you died,we were at MR and you sat down with us and patiently looked at photos of our new granddaughter. You have the most generous and loving heart I have ever known.  Your are loved and you are missed.

I am a better person having known Mike and Yoli and the world was a better place having them in it. Goodbye my dear friends!

My daughter Lauren and I were one of their first customers in WellsBranch. Lauren was so young Yoli & Mike would make a special kids plate just for her. They kept the crayon pictures she drew on a wall. Lauren is now 19 yrs old. We loved Mike and Yoli and will miss their beautiful faces and warm hearts. Rest in peace.

I was one of Mike and Yoli's first employees. A part time job quickly turned into a full time job, and a employer/ employee relationship blossomed into a wonderful friendship. Most of us go through life without a true friend. I am honored and gladden that I can call Mike and Yoli friends. They were generous to a fault. My daughter grew up with Gumbo's and with Mike and Yoli. When she became old enough, she went to work for them. I used to stop by after work and visit with them on a regular basis. Mike and Yoli you will be sorely missed. I can truly say that I have lost friends. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to both families.

Yoli was always so cheerful and happy to see me every time I visited her many restaurant locations.  She will be missed by all who knew her.

I lived across the street from Yoli and Mike for 8 years.  They were truly wonderful people!   They will be missed by many.  May they rest in peace.

Over the past 21 years my family and I thoroughly enjoyed the friendship, food and laughter when we would come together. Michael and Yoli were awesome individuals and had huge hearts and always willing to assist others. We shared a love for Doberman's and always had a conversation about our four-legged babies:) Michael & Yoli will be sorely missed and we pray the families find peace and cherish the sweet memories from these two. God will see you through!

March 1, 2011
My daughter from Dripping Springs sent us the clipping from the Statesman. It is so hard to believe it really happened. We worked in Austin from 1993 to 2006 and were some of their first customers at the first Gumbos in the strip mall in north Austin.  We then followed them to all of their other restaurant ventures. We still go to Austin in the winter so were so happy when they started Mama Roux.  We were just there in February.  Yoli and Michael always remembered us and greeted us so warmly.  It is so sad that we will never see them again.  They will be dearly missed. 
Curt and Barbara Anderson, Sheldon, ND

My heart goes out to your family. Rest in Peace Yoli and Michael.

Our hearts go out to your family. We are saddened by their loss. Michael and Yoli touched us deeply with their warmth and open hearts.  Our thoughts are with you.

You are sorely missed - Yoli, your welcoming smile and personality, and Michael, your wonderful food.  What will we do without you?

We remember Mike and Yoli from several years ago.  My Mom lived next door to them.  They treated us like members of the family.  I still remember the night we all went to Gumbos and enjoyed a wonderful meal!  Yoli was so much fun and so thoughtful to us. I remember my Mom's dogs always trying to dig under the fence to play with Yoli's Min Pin. We were shocked and saddened when we learned of this tragic loss.  We will always remember them fondly.

Yoli and Michael , we are heavily saddened by the news.  My husband appreciated you and always remenbered you from all those years ago, when you took his Sociology class.  He was always very happy when he saw you and Michael.  It is very sad that we will not see you any more but we are extremely happy that we got to meet you.  I was at Mamma Roux with my daughter Tatyana on February 4, 2011.  I am very glad that I saw you quite recently.  On that day, you told my daughter and myself that you would be visiting Argentina one day.  You said that it was a country you had always wanted to visit.  Now, you and Michael are in the arms of the Lord and He will give you the peace and rest you need.  God Bless you always.

You'll always be remembered with love.... Our prayers to you... Rest in peace

To Yoli and Mike's family I am sorry to hear of your loss.  It is hard to understand why they are gone but I know every life they touched was one that turned into a friendship.  Although I had moved away 11 years ago friends would always tell me Yoli had sent a hello through other friends. 
She was a beautiful person through and through and Mike was always such a sweetheart.  God Bless them both and may they rest in peace.  Love you both!

Mike and Yoli will be very missed. They were always looking for ways to help others. I am still in shock and am very saddened by their demise. I just wish that I were closer to them and could have somehow helped them in their time of crisis.
Mike and Yoli, May you rest in peace.

I had always enjoyed Mike and Yoli's food, company and friendship. Although I had not seen them in several years I was so happy to had found them at Mama Roux's recently. I had planned on feasting with them shortly only to find out about the terrible event that took their lives. I am so devastated by this tragedy and only wish that I had been closer to Mike and Yoli to perhaps help them with whatever issues they were trying to work out. They were always helpful to so many people and animals in our community. It is a shame that none of us saw this coming and could have somehow helped changed this terrible outcome. My heart goes out to their family and friends.
Mike and Yoli, you will always be missed and remembered.

I recall one Saturday wanting to purchase a gift certificate for my Pastor and Wife.  Mr. Amr opened the restaturant early so that I could do so and added extra money to the total amount.  The gesture went above and beyond.  I made it a point then to bring everyone I knew to Mama Roux.  I'd eaten their seven times before their death.  It was my goal to try everything on their menu.   I am at a loss.

Beyond the obvious devastation and lose, words are difficult to muster, but their long friendship, love, generosity and the many joys, smiles, recipes and memories will last forever.  They will be missed and remain in our hearts for eternity!

Robbie and I will miss your warm embrace, conversations of dogs and cars.  We love you very much.

We're going to miss you both dearly.....
Make GOD Bless you..

I will miss Yoli's smile and Michael's delicious food forever. A few months ago, Yoli asked me to paint a portrait of their late dog Mona Lisa which Yoli hang in the restaurant dining area in January of this year. I hope that Mona Lisa is now reunited with her wonderful owners in a better world.

We knew Mike and Yoli since they opened Gumbo's. They were the nicest people we had ever met and cannot believe what has happened. Everytime we went to Gumbos and later to Mama Roux, they treated us like family...God bless their soul and may  they rest in peace.

This has been a huge loss to everyone who knew Mike and Yoli. 
May they rest in peace.

What a huge loss in the restaurant community. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family's.RIP Mike and Joli. You will be missed.

My wife Trish and I as so sad at this loss. Moe treated my wife like a daughter...he was very good to her and then when I was added to the picture...he took me in like he knew me all his life.  I will never forget him!  He and Yoli each were definitely one of a kind individually and unforgettable together.  Words cannot explain the loss we feel.

I was heartbroken to learn that Yoli and Michael were gone.  Less than a month ago I brought my young son into Mama Roux with me for a special treat of lemon cielo pie.  It was one of our favorites, and Yoli remembered us every time we came in.  This day the lunch shift was almost over, but they did not try to rush us out.  Yoli talked to me about my upcoming nuptials, and how they still intended to create some delicious chocolate chicory bread pudding for the occasion, and to attend. We had a great conversation, and I looked forward to returning soon.  The next thing I knew I was hearing that they were both gone.  My son was heartbroken, and I still don't know how to grieve for the loss of two people I had come to think of as friends, or for the memories I looked forward to creating at Mama Roux.  I pray every night for them.

To Michael and Yoli's families, I feel blessed to have known them.  Here's what I will remember:  Michael smiling and waving from the kitchen, the amazing melt-in-your mouth dishes he prepared, Yoli's hugs when we would come in their restaurant, her kindness to my children, and of course her  power walks through Forest Creek with her sweet and pampered dogs (Roux Elvis especially)!
May the Peace of the Lord be with you.

Micheal & Yoli, I still cannot comprehend that you two are gone. I am going to miss the warm welcome every time we saw you. I can still hear your welcoming voice in my head Yoli! Michael, I will never forget the "special" Jambalaya you fixed me when I was waiting to go into labor with my son. The Jambalaya you guaranteed would put me into labor, & it did!!! That little boy that is now 7 is very sad that he won't see you two at Mamma Roux's anymore. You two are missed more than ever by our family. You were a part of our family & we will miss you. May you rest in peace & prayers for your family during this difficult & painful time.

Yoli & Mike always treated my family as their own.  So kind and never missed a chance to prepare a special dish for my children in their restaurants.  Yoli would pull up a chair or sit with us at our table.  It always made us feel loved.  God bless you, we will miss you so much.

This is so sad.  They had the most amazing dynamic in their businesses.  I have never seen such amazing customer service and never eaten such amazing food.

We already miss our dear friends.
One last hug for you both.
Sylvia & Mario

Shuler and I will never forget Michael and Yoli and we will honor their memory in our efforts to continue the history and exceptional cuisine and service that they instilled in their creation of the Gumbo's Louisiana Style Cafe.  We are absolutely devastated by these events and words will never adequately express our feelings.  Their presence will be forever felt.

God may bless your soul we love and miss you dearly but now your in a better place

God bless your soul now you are in a better place we all love you and miss you so dearly

We will miss you more than you could have ever known.  Peace be with you both.  Thank you for all the years of your wonderful hospitality.  My thoughts and prayers to your family.  The Watsons, Round Rock, TX

I will miss Yoli and Michael so much.. My heart is broken as I will never experience the delicious cajun recipes they had on the menu at Mama Roux.. I will always remember the last visit I had on Februaury 18th for my birthday dinner and the nice hug Yoli gave me and to wish me a happy birthday.. Rest in Peace you will be missed..

This is just so sad. My daughter and I met Yoli at Zilker Park while attending a fundraiser for homeless pets, of course. In 1998 when I started my business her pets were some of my first clients. My 5yr old bonded with Yoli immediately. Michael and Yoli enjoyed my pint size daughter "bossing" their 90lb Doberman RouxElvis. When Meredith joined 4H and learned how to cook, Michael said maybe they would cook together someday. I always said Michael cooked like an angel. We miss them very much

We are extremely saddened by the deaths of Mike and Yoli. We loved them and enjoyed their wonderful food and company for many years, from the original Gumbo's on Bratton, to Mama Roux's Thursday before last. They were beautiful, talented people and will be sorely missed.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Robert and Lynn Pyle

Every time I saw Yoli, she was smiling!!  I knew her as a coworker and fellow nurse.  No matter how hectic things were, she was smiling and nice to everyone!  Rest in Peace, Yoli and Michael!!

May you both be in peace & know how much you'll be miss..

Joaquin and Araceli Leyva

Dear Auntie and uncle Mike, you'll be greatly missed by ALL the family and the kitties.See you both in heaven!

My family and I are so saddened by the loss of this AMAZING couple. They were embrasive of everyone who came in. You always felt they were cooking just for you and welcome home.You never knew when he would send over a special dessert, just because. You never knew when he would walk over and ask about your dinning experience. This couple was love and respect to others on display. They set the bar very high.They are the wind beneath many wings as they inspired us all to be a little bit better to others. Waiting in the line, was never negative. We all connected and would admire whatever Yoli was wearing and talk of waiting to get the opportunity to experience our fabulous dish. I am thankful their journey included my family and our friends. I pray they knew how much they were admired and loved, and their family get some consolation in how many people they inspired.

Yoli and Mike, You will so be missed. Gombo's will forever be my most favorite restaurant with two of my most favorite people.  My best friend and I have always celebrated all our birthdays with each other there and there will never be two more genuine people in this town.  You will be dearly missed!

My fellow friend, coworker and the most lovable person I have ever met.  Every time she worked she brought in her favorite Round Rock donuts to share with everyone.  I was so sad the day she left nursing to pursue their restaurant dream.  She would come to me for prayer, we talked about God.  She loved the patients she cared for. She always had a smile.  Everyone at work called me Yoli for months after she left.  Our personalities are similar.  She could have been my older sister.  I saw her Saturday.  She called me at work and I later picked up food after my long 12 hour day.  Beautiful as always. 
No one will ever know what happened.  She was full of life.  She was my friend and fellow nurse who will be greatly missed.

God has you now...no more worries, tears or fears. Your legacy will always remain - thank you.

Thank you both for enriching our lives. You will be missed, however you are not gone you live on in the hearts of all who love you.

Mikey and Yoli, you were my second family when we came to Austin in '95. Working side by side with you day in and day out was really an incredible time in my life. You two had a tremendous impact on me, especially you Mikey. You were like my dad, big brother, great friend and adversary all rolled into one. I am incredibly sad and will always miss you. Davey

Our hearts are aching over the news of this tragic loss...Mike and Yoli had opened their wonderful brand of hospitality to us and brightened our lives in so many ways...It is hard to say goodby to such special people...Mike and Yoli, you will be sorely missed by all who new you...
Ralph and Connie Yargo

We are heartsick to learn of the loss of Mike and Yoli.  We admired and appreciated them so much, and found such pleasure in their creativity and talent.  Our prayers are with their families and friends.

Yoli used to visit the PostNet in Round Rock, where I work, all the time and she was one of my favorite customers.  The owners and I will miss her very much.  Our prayers go out to their family and friends on these sad days.

Just discovered Mama Roux's this past summer, and it quickly became one of my favorite restaurants. I am very saddened to hear of Mike & Yoli's passing.  I pray that they both are at peace.

My heart is broken.  I first met you at your Bratton Lane location and continued my love of  everything Mike and Yoli all these years.  There was never a line too long to keep my husband and me away.  You made us feel like we were your best friends when you greated us, Yoli.  And Mike, it was like you only thought of us as you made those amazing dishes....I so loved your red beans and rice and couldn't leave without the bread pudding.  My son said you made the best steak he had ever eaten in his life, Mike.  It's only been a while ago that I saw you at Mama Roux's.   Yoli, as we were getting ready to leave, you said to call ahead next time and you would save us a table so we wouldn't have to wait.  And as always, I couldn't leave without telling you, Mike, how ablsolutely wonderful the food tasted, and how I loved absolutely everything you cooked.   You smiled back with that wonderful big smile of yours and said thank you.  I'll never be able to make that call to you Yoli, or eat the most wonderful Cajun food in the world again, Mike.  You both will be missed by so many.  You will forever be in our thoughts and hearts.

Yoli and Mike ,
May you both rest in peace we have known you since you two first opened.We may never know why, but we know  that God will take care of you. We will miss you and your wonderful cooking.
Rita and Ron

Obviously, these two people have left indelible marks in people's lives and hearts. Yoli, I can't believe I won't ever get another hug from you! It's my turn to send hugs. You will be missed.

We met Mike & Yoli while working with the Red Cross in Baton Rouge in 2005.  They were friendly, compassionate, dedicated and we became instant friends.  We have shared our homes for Thanksgiving, Christmas & many meals in several of their restaurants.  Yoli called two weeks ago and asked when we were coming down for a visit.  Their deaths are a terrific shock to us and we will sadly miss them for we truly loved them.  We would like to extend the offer of any help we could offer the family in their time of sorrow.
  
smithoak@grm.net

Mike and Yoli, I hope you are now in a place as special to you as the special place you hold in my heart !  You were so incredibly generous to me when I was going through one of the most difficult times of my life.  I love you both very much and am so glad I got to see you a few months ago.  Mike, everytime I play Dwight I think about how we would turn it up after working a crazy night - I love Dwight mostly because of the memories, but now it all has a new meaning.  Yoli, you are so beautiful and gracious and will be missed beyond words - thank you both for taking such great care of me.  I will see you again sometime and will give you both a huge hug.  I will miss you dearly until that day comes.  Luv Ya much, Sherri

May your legacy live through all the lives you have touched both near and far.

Your bread pudding was the best anywhere! Thank You for Gumbo's.-C & J Graham

Your bread pudding was the best anywhere! Thank You for Gumbo's.-C & J Graham   Round Rock, TX

Goodbye my friends, rest in peace, and Thank you for your friendship and Human Kindness

At a loss for words...the business relationship shared with Mike and Yoli over the years is something that will truly be missed. May you both rest in peace.

God Bless Mike and Yoli we remember Yolis off of Bratton Lane. Mike and I hit it off since we are both from Baton Rouge, LA and love the Tigers. We will miss them and they will be in our prayers.

May you both be in peace.  Thank you for all the wonderful memories. Your thoughtfulness and kindness will always be remembered. You will be truly missed.  God Bless you.

Yolanda prima,que Dios te tenga en el cielo a ti y a tu esposo, desde lo mas profundo de mi corazon pido a Dios por ustedes, con carino, Norma Gonzalez Cuartas.

Thank you for your wonderful food, smiling faces and your dedication to bettering the lives of our furry friends. The world is a better place because of your kindness. May you both rest in peace & know how much you will be missed.

We will miss your friendship and great food.  We too were there from Yoli's to Mama Roux.  Your bright eyes and warm heart and welcoming arms were always wide open! We are all better off for having known you guys. God Bless You!!!

Michael & Yoli,

We have followed you since you opened Gumbo's on Bratton Lane to Mama Rouxs. Your smiles were so warm and we always felt so special in your restaurant. You were very loved by my family and your presence will be missed.

Look how many lives you both touched! I know we all wish someone could have helped you as Your culinary talents spread so far and even now reach us in alabama. Before we left Austin in Jan, , we dined with the friends who introduced us to your fine restaurant. Rest in peace and know that the lives you touched are devastated by your sudden loss and knowing now  that you had  pain while loving lives around you makes me and everyone so sad!!!!!!

We'll always remember your original Gumbo's and that great Sensation Salad. You will both be greatly missed.

God bless you both remembered you from years ago when your first restaurant was called yolis in wellsbranch you will both be dearly missed not only for your fabulous food rest in peace..lori bourgeois

I worked with Mike & Yoli at the Gumbo's Downtown location.  My family and I are very saddened by their sudden departure.  They poured their hearts and soul into their work and always treated their employees with respect and kindness.  We pray for the loved ones they left behind.

Michael, and Yoli. 
Great friends, from the early Gumbo's days, til now. (I sold her the first 94 Mustang GT convertible, yellow w/black top.) No matter how busy, they always had time to stop and say "hi" at our table.  Their unparalleled generosity and love was felt, and will be greatly missed.

I worked with Mike and Yoli back in 1995. It was the first job I ever had and by far the best. We were all like a big family. Every night when we closed the doors we would sit at the biggest round table in the corner and eat like a family. Yoli Loved steak! 
I will miss you both so very much!

OBITUARY

Yoli and Mikey Amr

Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home & Cemetery

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