Eureka- Patricia Mae "Pat" Yordy, 85, of Eureka passed away peacefully in her home at 12:15p.m. on Wednesday, October 25, 2017.
Pat was born on May 27, 1932 in Eureka a daughter of Frank Allen and Esther Mae Schertz Harnish. She married Maurice Yordy on June 19, 1954 at the Roanoke Mennonite Church in Eureka, Illinois.
Pat's survivors include her husband, Maurice of Eureka; one brother, Robert(Ruth) Harnish; one sister, Marjorie(Wayne) Guth both of Eureka; many nieces and nephews.
Pat was preceded in death by a sister, Suzanne Bishop and a brother, David Harnish.
Pat attended a one room rural school and then graduated from Eureka High School. After high school she graduated from Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana with a B.A. degree in education. Later her studies earned an M.S. from Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. During her 30 year teaching career she taught as several schools including Metamora Grade School, Davenport Elementary in Eureka, Illinois and Eureka Middle School. She taught homebound students and did some substitute teaching.
Pat loved good music , played in the high school band and sang in college choirs for four years. She enjoyed concerts at the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, played the piano and instructed students in her home at one time.
Pat was a very active member of the East Peoria Mennonite Church for 40 years. While there her roles included choir director, accompanist, Sunday School work, women's Bible study teacher, and as a member of various committees. She was also a very faithful support for her husband, Maurice, who served in the role as Pastor for 23 years. After retirement from the East Peoria Church, Maurice served an interim assignment at the Bethel Mennonite church in Pekin, Illinois where Pat was accompanist for congregational singing.
Pat loved her family and the special occasions she shared with them were always meaningful. She respected her colleagues in the school system and appreciated the opportunity of observing student growth in the classroom.
She always had a ready smile and seldom spoke in negative terms about others. Pat loved life, liked to travel, and had a keen interest in antiques. She opened her home to seven young men in the 1960's in an Exchanged Visitors Program sponsored by the Mennonite Church. It was designed to promote good relationships between countries. This program enriched the Yordy's lives and great relationships exist even today. The Yordy's visited these young men and their families in Europe and maintain great contacts to this day.
The family is deeply grateful to Jody Emhoff, Michele Graber, Heidi Mathews and Kim Weers for their gracious and loving care during Pat's illness. They also want to express appreciation to Harbor Light Hospice for the excellent support given to Pat and Maurice.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 30, 2017 at the Roanoke Mennonite Church. Pastors Bryan Miller and Alice Kennell will officiate. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 29, 2017 from 3-5p.m. at the Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in Eureka and also one hour before services at the church on Monday. Burial will be held in the Roanoke Mennonite Cemetery.
Following the request of the family, in lieu of flowers , memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Roanoke Mennonite Church. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.argoruestmanharris.com.
Visitation
OCT
29.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM (CDT)
Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home
508 South Main Street
Eureka, IL 61530
Visitation
OCT
30.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CDT)
Roanoke Mennonite Church
1195 County Road 1600 East
Eureka, IL
Funeral service
OCT
30.
11:00 AM (CDT)
Roanoke Mennonite Church
1195 County Road 1600 East
Eureka, IL
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