Charline J (Shavlik) Yeager

Charline J Yeager, 94, of Elysburg passed away on August 20, 2021 in her home in Elysburg. She always had such a big heart and for so many years shared it with so many people, there was little left for her. Born November 20, 1926 in Denver CO to Helen Shavlik. She met Lee Yeager of Catawissa when he attended CO A&M in Fort Collins, CO following WWII. Charline and Lee married on May 20, 1948 in St. Dominic’s in Denver, CO and moved to Catawissa.

They proudly raised 4 children Michael and wife Margaret, grandchildren Thomas and Sarah, son Theodore and wife Pamela and daughter Rita, all of Elysburg and daughter Wanda and husband Michael Spatzer of Mount Holly, Vermont.

Charline was preceded in death by her mother as well as husband of 63 years Lee Yeager, who passed away in 2011.

She often spoke with admiration and pride in her single mother who worked for many years as a waitress in order to provide her with a parochial school education and many years of dancing and piano lessons. Her mother hand made her costumes, many of which still exist and brought back pleasant memories over the years. Her dancing career started at 6 years old with a first performance as a bunny. She danced and sang with the Denver Opera Company.

After moving to Catawissa as a young bride, she and Lee started a family. Charline’s engaging personality and interest in her children’s activities kept her involved in social and school activities. As her children entered school Charline resumed her college education. After her children were in bed and the housework finished, she could be heard typing late into the night. She earned a Bachelors Degree in Special Education and Elementary Education and a Masters Degree in Elementary Education. 

She began her teaching career at Catawissa Elementary School, moving to G.C Hartman Elementary in the Southern Columbia Area School District. Elementary, Reading and Special Education were her areas of certification. Prior to retiring, she taught for 36 years.

She was a member of St. Columba Catholic Church in Bloomsburg and Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Elysburg, active in the choir, women’s group, and as a lector. Charline volunteered at Maria Joseph Manor, at the Bloomsburg Theater Ensemble and the Bloomsburg Hospital. She particularly enjoyed her time back on stage with The Bloomin’ Follies.

She enjoyed telling jokes and stories, often going out of her way to tell a joke to someone who looked like they needed a smile. Charline learned to make people smile from an early age by listening to the radio comedy of Burns and Allen and Jack Benny. She was always ready to travel and have an adventure, enjoyed puzzles, playing games on an iPad and most of all reading! 

A Mass of Christian burial will be held Tuesday August 24, 2021 at 11:00 am at Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 599 West Center St, Elysburg. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 am until time of service.

Family and friends may send online condolences to allenrhornefuneralhome.com. The Allen R. Horne Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Catawissa is handling arrangements. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ralpho Township Public Library in Elysburg. Remember Charline by sharing a book, a smile or a joke.

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