Iris P. Yearick, 84, of Centre Hall, passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2014 at Mount Nittany Medical Center, surrounded by her family. Iris, a daughter of the late Byers Shannon Ripka and Dorothy P. Miller Ripka, was born on December 23, 1929 in Penn Township. She attended East Penns Valley High School. On March 9, 1952, Iris married Nelson W. Yearick who preceded her in death April 29, 2002.
Upon graduation, Iris was employed at the Hosiery Mill, the Bra Factory and Niemans Store, all in Millheim. Later, she was employed as a cook in the kitchens of the Penns Valley Elementary and High School, retiring with 26 years of service. After retiring, Iris went to work at the Woodward Gymnastic Camp as their head cook. She was a former member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Millheim, and a current member St James United Methodist Church in Coburn. She was also a member of the East Penns Valley Women’s Club and the Centre Hall Ladies Card Club. Iris was a volunteer at many local blood drives, a bird lover, NASCAR fan, and she loved attending Grange Fair. She loved cooking and enjoyed going out to restaurants with family and friends. Above all else, Iris loved to spend time with family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Iris is survived by one daughter, Luzetta M. Valentine (Ken) of Aaronsburg, two sons, Glenn I. Ripka of Millheim and Kent “Nels” Yearick (Sharon) of Axemann; five grandchildren, Todd, Jamie Sue (Troy), Heather (Steven), Kevin (Vicki) and Rayvin. Also surviving are six great grandchildren, Tyler, Cole, Dylan, McKenna, Landin and Gracin along with one brother, Irwin Ripka (Bonnie) and one sister, Ione McMullin. Iris was preceded in death by one son, Keith Douglas Yearick; one grandson, Mark Keith Ripka; three sisters, Inez Wingard and husband Harold, Iva Musser and husband Alvin, and Isabelle Brindle and husband Tony, and one brother, Ivan Ripka.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 29th from 10:00 – 12 noon at the Steven R. Neff Funeral Home in Millheim. The memorial service will follow at noon with Rev. Chris Korn officiating. Iris will be laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery in Millheim. Contributions in memory of Iris may be given to The Hope Fund of Penns Valley, Po Box 427, Centre Hall, Pa. 16828, or to Pets Come First, 2451 General Potter Highway, Centre Hall, Pa. 16828.