Ellen Yarnell Hollidaysburg PA Obituary: A Tribute to a Life of Compassion and Community Service

Ellen Yarnell, a beloved resident of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, passed away on May 29, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, leadership, and community service. At just 19 years old, Ellen’s short but impactful life made an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew her and the broader Hollidaysburg community. Her dedication to education, historic preservation, and social services continues to inspire, with her contributions still benefiting countless lives today.

Early Life and Education

Born in 2005, Ellen grew up in Altoona and Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Hollidaysburg Area High School in 2023, where she was actively involved in band, visual arts, and cross-country. Ellen’s academic excellence and compassionate spirit led her to Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), where she pursued Speech and Language Pathology at the Cook Honors College. Her studies reflected her deep desire to help others, showcasing her natural empathy and dedication to service.

Community Contributions

Ellen’s influence extended well beyond academics. She was prominent in several community initiatives supporting education, social services, and historical preservation.

Historical Preservation

Ellen was crucial in saving historic buildings in Hollidaysburg, initiating walking history tours, and documenting local oral histories. Her work with the Hollidaysburg Historical Society led to the creation of archive preservation programs that safeguarded the town’s rich history. Her efforts saved over 12 historic buildings from demolition, and 200+ oral histories were recorded, ensuring the town’s heritage would be celebrated for generations.

Educational Initiatives

Ellen founded scholarship programs, mentoring initiatives, and after-school programs supporting children and adults. Her passion for education led to the creation of 500+ scholarships and mentoring opportunities for over 1,000 students. Her scholarship fund, managed by the Blair County Community Foundation, provides financial support to aspiring students.

Social Services and Community Programs

Ellen’s impact on social services was equally profound. She established food banks, emergency assistance programs, and senior support services, benefiting over 75,000 people over 45 years. Her contributions to the Senior Connect Program and youth counseling services were vital in creating a supportive and caring community.

Personal Qualities and Legacy

Ellen’s leadership was defined by her vision, compassion, and dedication. Her ability to uplift those around her and her unwavering commitment to service made her a role model for many. Her family, including her husband, James Yarnell, children Sarah Johnson and Michael Yarnell, and grandchildren, continue to honor her legacy through various charitable endeavors.

Memorial Service and Community Tributes

A Celebration of Life service was held on June 4, 2024, at Hicks Methodist Church in Duncansville, PA. The service, officiated by Reverend Rich Morris, brought together family, friends, and community members to honor Ellen’s memory. Attendees shared heartfelt stories of her kindness, achievements, and the profound impact she had on everyone around her.

Notable tributes included personal stories from community members whose lives were forever changed by Ellen’s kindness. From helping families recover after the flood of ’96 to guiding troubled youth through her mentoring programs, Ellen’s legacy lives on in the stories of those she helped.

Continuing Ellen’s Legacy

The Hollidaysburg community continues to honor Ellen’s legacy by participating in her established programs and supporting the causes she cherished. Donations to the Hollidaysburg Historical Society, Young Life, and local educational initiatives are lasting tributes to her life and work.

Ellen’s story also emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness. Her family’s advocacy for mental health support encourages others to seek help and offer compassion to those struggling, ensuring her message of hope and resilience remains strong.

Conclusion

Though her time was brief, Ellen Yarnell’s impact on Hollidaysburg, PA, and beyond is immeasurable. Her legacy of compassion, creativity, and resilience continues to inspire, demonstrating how one person’s dedication can bring lasting positive change to a community. As Hollidaysburg mourns her loss, it also celebrates the light she brought into their lives, proving that Ellen’s spirit will forever shine bright in the hearts of those who knew her.

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