Gertrude Arlene Yaple, wife, mother, and longtime volunteer for faith-based organizations in Warren, died in her sleep on Monday, December 12, 2022, at the Warren Manor Nursing Home. She was 87.
She was born July 8, 1935, the second youngest of 11 children of Ruth (Williams) Green and Elwyn Green. She was raised in Erie, Pa., and was a 1953 graduate of Harbor creek High School. In 1961 she married James J. Yaple in Erie, and they moved to Lancaster in 1963 and to York, Pa., two years later. She has lived in Warren since 1972, where she had served as a Welcome Wagon volunteer and was involved with her husband in Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. She was also deeply involved with Praise Fellowship Church from its inception when services were held in a home to construction of the church in Russell, Pa.
Gertrude was active many years ago in A.A., where she ultimately supported others in Warren area through the 12-step program. She later used those skills when she became a “house mom” volunteering at the House of Hope women’s shelter in Warren. She lived full-time at the House of Hope from 2016 to 2022, helping to monitor and support the residents who were transitioning a return to society after incarceration.
Gertrude leaves a daughter, Marie A. Yaple of Erie; three sons, David C. Yaple of Danielsville, Ga., Michael S. Yaple of Newtown, Pa., and Craig E. Yaple of Warren; a daughter in law, Diane Yaple of Newtown; four grandchildren, Clover Reber of Erie, Leif Yaple of Athens, Ga., Jesse Yaple of Gainesville, Ga., and Ava Yaple of Newtown; and three great-granddaughters. She was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, James; three sisters, Dolores Ward, Elsie Lemke, and Ethel Nachman-Schuman; and seven brothers, Charles Green, Elwyn Green Jr., Harley Green, Norman Green, Robert Green, Theodore Green, and Walter green; and a grandson, Nathan Yaple of Warren.
Memorial services will be held at a future date and location to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gertrude’s name to the House of Hope, 316 Hazel St., Warren, Pa. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc., 304 East St. Warren, PA 16365. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com <www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com/>
We are so sorry for your loss. Gert was a beautiful lady inside and out. She will be missed by many.
Aunt Gert was the most loving and spiritual person I was lucky enough to know. She always put others first. She touched all hearts who met her. I will miss her dearly. Love you Aunt Gert. Prayers for the family.
Aunt Gert was one in a million. Her love of family, her faith, and her grace made her such a wonderful person to be near. She brought a warmth to all her relationships that are like no other. My love for her runs deep and no one will ever replace her. Sing loud and proud with your family in Heaven. Until we meet again.
Aunt Gert always had the right things to say no matter the circumstance and was so radiant in faith and life. Every time we talked by phone I could see her smile and felt as if we talking over a cup of coffee. i will miss her! Love you Aunt Gert .
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Gert was a kind, giving soul who loved people and the Lord. She was the matriarch of her family which included many people she treated like family. Whenever I saw her, she instantly put a smile on my face and a warmth in my heart. She will be missed by many,but her memory will live on in the many lives she touched. Fly high Gert, fly high with the angels.
I was so sorry to hear of Gert’s passing, but heaven has gained a wonderful person. My deepest sympathies to all of her family and those she has touched with her life, love and faith. I will miss you, Gert, until we meet again.