Helen Hackenberger Yocum

THOMPSONTOWN - Helen Hackenberger Yocum, 90, of RR 1, Thompsontown, died at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 30, 2009 at Hershey Medical Center.

Born July 18, 1918 in Kurtz Valley, Juniata County, she was a daughter of the late Walter and Verna (Fogleman) Hackenberger. Her husband, W. Robert Yocum, whom she married June 10, 1940, died on August 28, 2007.

She is survived by three children, Bonnie Roush and husband Butch of Thompsontown; Terry Yocum and wife Flo of Thompsontown; and Randy Yocum and wife Joette of Mifflintown.

Also surviving are two sisters, Venie Graybill of Thompsontown and Pauline Tobias of Halifax; four granddaughters, Sherry Bossinger, Michelle Bossinger, Crystal Myers and Jennifer French; and one great-grandson, Gibson French.

She was preceded in death by five brothers, Ernie, Robert, John, Carl "Pete", and Joe Hackenberger and three sisters, Hazel "Becky" Hackenberger, Mildred Brown, and Lena Heimbaugh.

She was a self-employed beautician, retiring after 47 years.

She was a former 4-H leader, Cub Scout Den Mother, member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Thompsontown Fire Co. and Walker Grange, served as Lecturer of Pomona No. 35 for eight years, and was on the Juniata County Extension Board.

She was an artist and painter, had her own art gallery, and traveled, putting on "Show and Tell" programs for many organizations.

She enjoyed gardening, and believed that you are healthier by eating from your own backyard.

Her funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, at Guss Funeral Home, 20 S. Third St., Mifflintown, with Rev. Maureen Wagner officiating.

Interment will be in Locust Run Cemetery. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

For those who desire, memorial contributions may be made to Locust Run United Methodist Church, RR 2, Box 173 A, Thompsontown, PA 17094 or to the Thompsontown Ambulance League, P.O. Box 192, Thompsontown, PA 17094.