Grace Clare Yeakel, a beloved mother, grandmother and teacher, passed away on May 7, 2023 at the age of 104. She was born on December 17, 1918 and grew up in Juniata Altoona, Pennsylvania, graduating from Altoona High School in the class of 1936. Clare went on to receive a teaching certificate from Lockhaven University in 1939. Her first teaching position was in a one-room schoolhouse.
Clare, working at the York Proving Grounds, met David Lathrop Yeakel and married him in1943. His service in the Army Air Corp took them to Biloxi, MI, Santa Monica, CA, and to Stockton, CA, with Dave on base and Clare teaching. At the conclusion of the war, Dave and Clare started their family with David Earl, followed by John Joel and Timothy Robert. Clare pursued her education and obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from Stanislaus State University in 1963.
Clare had a passion for teaching, and once her sons were in school, she continued her career as an educator. She taught for four years in Pennsylvania and throughout the war, and then in Manteca, where she taught for 20 years, mainly at Sequoia and Golden West Elementary. After retiring from full-time teaching, Clare continued to share her knowledge and skills by substitute teaching and working at Delta College for two terms. She was also a member of Give Every Child a Chance and served on their board.
Clare was an active member of Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church and made many contributions to her community. She was a past president of the Manteca Federated Women of AAUW and the United Methodist Women--organizations that were very important to her. Clare was known for her kindness, generosity, and her unwavering commitment to helping others.
Clare will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched and the contributions she made to her community. When she wasn't volunteering, teaching, or involved in her church, she enjoyed reading, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends. She is grateful for the beauty they brought into her life.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Grace Coleman Antes and E. Franklin Antes, her husband David L.Yeakel and her son, David (Berniece) Yeakel, her sisters Henrietta Parker, Donna Armstrong and Elizabeth Humpreys, and her brother Earl (Bud) Antes. She is survived by her son John (Valerie) Yeakel, Timothy (Darcy Muscatell) Yeakel and grandchildren Nathan W. (Xenia)Yeakel, Matthew (Katherine) Yeakel and step- grandchildren Corey McGoldrick and Amanda (Thomas) Traylor and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren .
P.L Fry and Son is honored to be serving the Yeakel family. Clare’s life will be celebrated on June 30, 2023 at 12:00 noon at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 910 E. North St., Manteca, Ca. She was laid to rest at Cherokee Memorial Park, Lodi, Ca. For direct condolences to the family, visit www.plfryanson.com In Lieu of flowers remembrances can be sent to Give Every Child a Chance, 322 Sun W Pl, Manteca, CA 95337
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
