Her bright smile is an enduring memory for those she touched in a short life that ended much too soon. From the values instilled in her from a strong family background to her commitment to never stop serving others, Ellen’s life was a story of compassion, tenacity and meaning. Her legacy lives on continue to inspire those that knew her; her story is a testament to the difference that one person can make. This article pays tribute to Ellen’s legacy and the lasting impact she has made.
Quick Insight into Ellen M. Yarnell’s Life
| Aspect | Details |
| Full Name | Ellen M. Yarnell |
| Date of Birth | November 7, 2004 |
| Place of Birth | Altoona, PA |
| Parents | Todd and Rebecca Yarnell |
| Sibling | Younger brother, Isaac Yarnell |
| High School | Hollidaysburg High School (Graduated with Honors in 2023) |
| College | Cook Honors College, Indiana University of Pennsylvania (Speech and Language Pathology major) |
| Faith Organization | Active member of Young Life |
| Hobbies | Baking, hiking, music, arts, and spending time with her dog, Luna |
| Achievements | Academic honors, talented musician, dedicated athlete, community volunteer |
| Legacy | Remembered for kindness, faith, and contributions to the community |
| Passing Date | May 29, 2024 |
| Memorial Service | June 4, 2024, at Hicks United Methodist Church, led by Rev. Rich Morris |
| Memorial Donations | Young Life organization |
Who Was Ellen Yarnell in Hollidaysburg, PA?
Young Ellen M. Yarnell had a short life, but an exceptional one, and made an extraordinary mark on the people of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. She was born November 7, 2004, in Altoona, PA, daughter of Todd and Rebecca Yarnell. The most electrifying force of positivity, she touched countless lives with her heart of empathy, tenacity in faith, and excellence in everything she put her mind to.
Ellen’s life is a testament to the impact that a single individual can have in a world, through compassion, grit, and service to others.
Early Life and Family Values
Ellen was raised in a loving home surrounded by parents who instilled in her a strong sense of right and wrong and a deep sense of empathy. Her parents, Todd and Rebecca, instilled in her a spirit of faith, resilience and love for others. She had a close bond with her younger brother, Isaac, whom she inspired with her positivity and strength.
She particularly enjoyed family gatherings with her grandfather, Michael Langenbacher, and extended family. Growing up in a loving household made her warm and caring personality.
Academic Excellence at Hollidaysburg High School
Ellen was an inspiring bright shining star who was an academic what with her numerous degrees. As a student at Hollidaysburg High School, she was always at the top of her class and graduated in the top 10 percent of her class in 2023. Her teachers and peers praised her intelligence, work ethic and balance between her studies and extracurriculars.
Extracurricular Achievements
Music and Arts:
She was a gifted musician and a beloved member of the school band. All of her creativity was not just reserved for writing, however; she also expressed herself through visual arts.
Sports:
Ellen was a spirited athlete and active member of the Cross Country team. Her grit and camaraderie inspired her teammates and made her a leader on and off the field.
Ellen’s achievements in high school exemplified her well-rounded capabilities and her knack for excelling in all spheres of her life.
A Purpose-Driven Path in Higher Education
When Ellen graduated high school, she decided she wanted to do something impactful in the lives in others, which is what brought her to the Cook Honors College at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). In College, she studied Speech and Language Pathology, an approach that reflected her caring and sympathetic personality.
Her work possessed a special quality to it, where everyone felt welcomed, made to believe they were special in their own right. Ellen’s professors and classmates commented on how dedicated, kind, and inspiring she was to those around her.
Faith and Community Involvement
Ellen’s faith was the foundation of her life. She grew up actively involved in a Christian youth organization called “Young Life” which played a significant part in her spiritual life. Ellen found a network of people through Young Life who shared her commitment to devotional faith and service.
Her dedication to her community was indomitable. She regularly offered her time and energy to causes that mattered to her by volunteering at local events and initiatives. Whether it was by working with the church to help at events or aiding those in need, Ellen’s acts were a display of her selfless spirit, as well as her belief that community can make a difference.
Hobbies and Passions
Outside of academia and her faith, Ellen was a colorful woman who enjoyed many hobbies.
- Baking:
Ellen always loved to bake and treated family and friends with delectable made-from-scratch goodies. Baking for Ellen wasn’t a hobby; it was a means by which to connect with people, and to share her heart.
- Nature and Adventure:
Ellen enjoyed the outdoors, hiking in the beautiful areas surrounding Hollidaysburg. She experienced peace and great joy in nature, often with her faithful dog, Luna, by her side. Their bond was proof of Ellen’s love of animals and adventurous spirit.
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A Life Cut Short but Forever Remembered
Ellen’s life ended suddenly and heartbreakingly on May 29, 2024. She was an indomitable force and her loss is felt deeply by family, friends, and community. A service celebrating her life was held on June 4, 2024, at Hicks United Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. Rich Morris.
Throughout the service, family and friends told stories of Ellen’s kindness, determination and the impact she made on those around her. In line with her legacy, her family requested donations to Young Life, looking to keep her faith and service alive and growing for those to come.
The Legacy of Ellen M. Yarnell
Though Ellen’s life was short, it was a perfect example of how one person can create an everlasting imprint on the world. She serves as an inspiration – with her firm faith, eagerness to give, and success — to all she knew and even to those who hear of her.
Her legacy reminds us all to:
- Be kind to your neighbour, have compassion in our day to day living.
- Follow our dreams with faith and guts.
- Invest in a great sense of community and help each other out.
FAQs
Who was Ellen Yarnell?
Ellen M. Yarnell Ellen M. Yarnell, 22, of Hollidaysburg, PA, was known for her kindness, academics and strong faith.
What did Ellen achieve in school?
In 2023, she graduated with honors from Hollidaysburg High School, where she excelled in academics, music, arts and athletics.
What Did Ellen Major in College?
Ellen studied Speech and Language Pathology at the Cook Honors College at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
How did Ellen help others in her community?
“She was very involved with Young Life, and she was always volunteering for Jenkintown and the Philadelphia area, that was definitely her spirit, that was who she was, she was faith and service.
How is Ellen perceived today?
Ellen’s legacy continues through the lives she touched, her contributions to her community and the charitable donations made in her memory.
Final Thoughts
However the story of Ellen M. Yarnell is a story of love, faith and inspiration. Her life is a reminder to live with meaning, love the people we have, and do something good for the world. And while her life was brief, Ellen’s legacy will endure for generations.
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