Thella Lee Yankey, 90, formerly of Bergton, Virginia passed over peacefully on June 17, 2024 at Timberview Crossing in Timberville, Virginia.

She was born in Criders on July 8, 1933 to the late Loy Derwitt “Babe” Smith and Edna Lee Keplinger Smith.

As rare as her name is, so was she. She had an unwavering faith in God. This divine gift empowered her to live life boldly and gave her a strong sense of self that commanded respect. Raised on the family poultry and pig farm in the tightly knit community of Bennetts Run, she was no stranger to hard work. The home and farm ran like a well-oiled machine with never a harsh word spoken to or about another. Whether it be on the organ or piano, there was always time for hymnals to be played and enjoyed. Thella attended the one room Bennetts Run School located on the family farm and ultimately graduated from Broadway High School in 1950. Her childhood Sundays were spent at the Valley View Mennonite Church in Criders. For many years she was a member at Damascus Church of the Brethren. In 2006 she transferred her membership to Mt. Olivet Church of the Brethren in Timberville, where she participated in the Sunday School classes, sang in the choir and enjoyed attending their Senior Days very much. Having a love of food, her first job outside the home was being the Cafeteria Manager at Bergton Elementary under the tutelage of Odie Moyer at the Fairgrounds SchoolHouse. She briefly worked at National Fruit, but her favorite job was her housekeeping role at RMH which lasted almost 23 years. This job allowed her to socialize with patients, provoking smiles due to her (often surprising) sense of humor and leaving everything in the rooms better than she found them. Her husband was an Army Veteran and Thella was a Life Member of the VFW at Chimney Rock. Part of the ladies auxiliary, she once enjoyed helping prepare food, playing bingo and attending the music jam sessions. She and her husband enjoyed auctions and traveling in their later years as well.

Thella was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Alonzo “Bill” Yankey, a daughter Patricia Dianne Kendrick, two brothers Arlie Elwood Smith and an unnamed infant.

Surviving are nieces, Dana Smith Moyer (Jay) of McGaheysville, Gary Louise Boken (Darrel) of Pueblo, CO and Linda Jensen of Manasas, Virginia, and great niece, Anna Lee Wittig of Fulks Run. Also surviving is nephew, Eric Smith (Dee) of Staunton, great nephew, Ashby Moyer (fiance Ashley Printz) as well as numerous cousins.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, June 20 at Grandle Funeral Home in Broadway. A funeral service will be conducted on Friday, June 21, at 2 pm at Damascus Church of the Brethren in Criders, followed by a burial service in the Caplinger cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.