by The ellen yarnell hollidaysburg pa obituary commemorates the life of an extraordinary woman whose impact resonated throughout Blair County, Pennsylvania.
Ellen Yarnell, who passed away on August 30, 2024, at age 79, transformed countless lives during her nearly eight decades in Hollidaysburg.
Known for her infectious smile and unwavering commitment to community service, Ellen wasn’t just a resident – she was a cornerstone of local society.
Through her dedicated work with the Hollidaysburg Historical Society, numerous charitable organizations, and educational initiatives, she created ripples of positive change that continue to influence the community.
Ellen Yarnell Hollidaysburg PA Obituary
This comprehensive tribute explores the life of a woman who exemplified the values of service, kindness, and community engagement, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
Who Was Ellen Yarnell?
Born into a family deeply rooted in Hollidaysburg traditions, Ellen’s early life shaped her future dedication to community service. Her childhood experiences included:
- Family Background
- Parents active in local government
- Grandmother was a schoolteacher
- Extended family involved in community projects
- Strong emphasis on civic responsibility
- Early Education
- Elementary Years: St. Patrick’s School
- Secondary Education: Hollidaysburg High School
- Class President (1962-1963)
- Honor Roll student
- Debate team captain
- School newspaper editor
- Higher Education
- University of Pittsburgh (1963-1967)
- Bachelor’s in Social Work
- Minor in Public Administration
- Dean’s List recognition
- Student government participation
- University of Pittsburgh (1963-1967)
- Early Career Development
- Internship at Blair County Community Action
- Student teaching at local schools
- Summer volunteer coordinator
Life in Hollidaysburg, PA
Ellen’s return to Hollidaysburg marked the beginning of her most impactful years. Her community involvement expanded to include:
- Professional Achievements
- Social Services Coordinator (1967-1975)
- Director of Community Relations (1975-1990)
- Executive Board Member of multiple organizations (1990-2024)
- Key Projects and Initiatives
- Founded the “Hollidaysburg Heritage Program”
- Established annual community cleanup day
- Created senior citizen support network
- Launched youth mentorship program
| Time Period | Major Contributions | Impact |
| 1967-1975 | Social services development | Established support systems for vulnerable populations |
| 1975-1990 | Community relations | Built bridges between various community groups |
| 1990-2010 | Historical preservation | Saved multiple historic buildings |
| 2010-2024 | Educational initiatives | Created scholarship programs |
Personal Life
Ellen’s personal journey was marked by rich relationships and diverse interests:
- Family Life
- Marriage: James Yarnell (married 1968)
- High school sweethearts
- 56 years of marriage
- Known for hosting community gatherings
- Children
- Sarah Yarnell-Thompson (Teacher)
- Michael Yarnell (Community Developer)
- Five grandchildren
- Marriage: James Yarnell (married 1968)
- Personal Pursuits
- Gardening
- Award-winning rose garden
- Annual garden tour host
- Community garden founder
- Mentored young gardeners
- Music Appreciation
- Choir member for 40 years
- Piano teacher
- Concert series organizer
- Music scholarship founder
- Literary Interests
- Book club founder (1970)
- Library board member
- Reading program volunteer
- Published local history articles
- Gardening
Details of the Obituary
The formal announcement provided comprehensive information about Ellen’s passing:
- Publication Details
- Primary: Altoona Mirror (September 5, 2024)
- Secondary: Blair County Gazette
- Online: Community web portal
- Service Arrangements
- Viewing: September 2, 2024
- Location: Smith Funeral Home
- Time: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Funeral Service: September 3, 2024
- Location: Hollidaysburg United Methodist Church
- Time: 11:00 AM
- Officiant: Reverend Sarah Matthews
- Memorial Service
- Location: Hollidaysburg Historical Society
- Date: September 15, 2024
- Special presentations planned
- Viewing: September 2, 2024
- Memorial Contributions
- Hollidaysburg Historical Society
- Preservation Fund
- Education Program
- Local Educational Initiatives
- Ellen Yarnell Scholarship Fund
- Community Library Fund
- Hollidaysburg Historical Society
Community Impact and Legacy
Ellen Yarnell’s Community Contributions
Her impact extended across multiple areas:
- Historical Preservation
- Saved 12 historic buildings
- Documented local oral histories
- Created a walking tour program
- Established archives
- Educational Programs
- Scholarship foundation creator
- After-school program supporter
- Adult education advocate
- Literacy program developer
- Civic Engagement
- Voter registration drives
- Community forums
- Local government liaison
- Citizens’ advisory board
| Area | Programs Initiated | People Impacted |
| Education | 5 scholarship programs | 500+ students |
| History | 3 preservation projects | Entire community |
| Social Services | 7 support programs | 1000+ families |
| Arts & Culture | 4 annual events | County-wide |
Personal Stories and Tributes
The community’s response revealed deep appreciation:
- Family Reflections
- Children’s memories of community involvement
- Grandchildren’s lessons learned
- Extended family’s shared experiences
- Professional Impact
- Colleague testimonials
- Student success stories
- Community leader tributes
- Public Recognition
- Awards and honors received
- Media coverage
- Legislative acknowledgments
How to Find More Information?
Comprehensive resources available:
- Digital Resources
- Altoona Mirror digital archives
- Historical Society website
- Community memorial page
- Social media tributes
- Physical Archives
- Local library special collection
- Historical society documents
- Family-donated materials
- Community scrapbooks
- Contact Points
- Memorial Committee
- Family representatives
- Historical Society office
- Community center
Reflecting on Ellen Yarnell’s Legacy
Summary of Her Contributions
Ellen’s impact continues through:
- Institutional Changes
- Established programs
- Created foundations
- Developed protocols
- Built partnerships
- Community Development
- Infrastructure improvements
- Social service networks
- Educational opportunities
- Cultural preservation
- Future Initiatives
- Ongoing projects
- Planned developments
- Vision Implementation
- Community goals
Reflection on Her Personal Qualities
Ellen’s character traits that inspired others:
- Leadership Style
- Inclusive decision-making
- Mentorship focus
- Collaborative approach
- Vision-driven
- Personal Impact
- Individual guidance
- Family support
- Community building
- Legacy planning
FAQs
- Q: Who was Ellen Yarnell?
A: Ellen Yarnell (1945-2024) was a prominent community leader and social worker in Hollidaysburg, PA, who dedicated her life to public service, historical preservation, and educational advancement. Her 79 years were marked by countless contributions to community development and social welfare programs.
- Q: What are the key details of Ellen Yarnell’s obituary?
A: Ellen passed away on August 30, 2024. Services included a viewing on September 2 at Smith Funeral Home, a funeral service on September 3 at Hollidaysburg United Methodist Church, and a memorial service on September 15 at the Historical Society. The family requested memorial contributions to the Historical Society and educational programs.
- Q: How did Ellen Yarnell impact the Hollidaysburg community?
A: Ellen’s impact was multifaceted, including establishing scholarship programs, preserving historical buildings, creating community support networks, and founding various educational and cultural initiatives. Her work directly benefited thousands of residents and created lasting institutional changes.
- Q: How can I find more information about Ellen Yarnell?
A: Information is available through multiple channels including the Altoona Mirror archives, Hollidaysburg Historical Society, local libraries, and community organizations. Digital resources, physical archives, and direct contact with memorial committee members provide comprehensive access to her life story and legacy.
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Conclusion: Ellen Yarnell Hollidaysburg PA Obituary
Ellen Yarnell’s passing marks not just the end of a life, but the transition of a living legacy into an enduring inspiration for Hollidaysburg and beyond.
Her dedication to community service, preservation of local heritage, and nurturing of future generations has created a foundation for continued growth and development.
While she will be deeply missed, her influence lives on through the institutions she strengthened, the programs she established, and the countless lives she touched.
The Hollidaysburg community remains forever enriched by her presence and forever committed to honoring her memory through continued service and dedication to the values she exemplified.
