Kay Yoder Creveling
June 18, 1942 - May 7, 2024
Kay Yoder Creveling, age 81, of Newark, DE, and formerly of Williamsport, PA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
Born in Williamsport, PA on June 18, 1942, she was a daughter of the late Dr. James Howard and Ruth (Hagerman) Yoder. Kay was a graduate of Williamsport Area High School as well as Penn State University. She earned her Master’s degree from Bloomsburg University. Kay spent her teaching career at Williamsport Area School District working as a reading specialist, a job she loved dearly.
Kay was a president and long-time member of the Williamsport Chapter of the American Association of University Women. She was also a long-time member of the Junior League of Williamsport. Kay was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling to 5 continents with her family and friends. She will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, Oma, and a dear friend to many.
In addition to her parents, Kay was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Lee Creveling. She is survived by her son, Richard “Rick” Creveling (Tricia); and grandchildren, Mal and Collin.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30 am until 10:30 am on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at St. Joseph Parish, 319 E. Main Street, Middletown, DE, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 am. A committal service will begin at 11 am on Friday, June 14, 2024, in the chapel of Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kay’s memory to the James V. Brown Library, 19 East Fourth Street, Williamsport, PA 17701 or online by clicking here.
Andrew Kilpatrick
Émile Zola, French novelist and journalist, once wrote:
“We are like books. Most people only see our cover, the minority read only the introduction, many people believe the critics. Few will know our content.”
I had the pleasure of knowing Kay Yoder Creveling for more than 4 decades. As the mom of one of my very best pals (“Little Ricky!”) growing up, and as a teacher at Curtin Middle School, of course I knew her as Mrs. Creveling. But then as I grew up, and especially over the last 2 decades, I came to know her as Kay. And I am so glad that I did.
What I came to know and admire about Kay was what I had already experienced as a kid when I interacted with Mrs. Creveling at school, in her home, and on the many day trips that she invited me to attend with her family. It turns out that the title and the cover that was so evident to me when I was a kid was true to who Kay was throughout her life. She was kind, bright, funny, approachable, welcoming, generous and caring. She loved life. And she paid attention to details that matter.
When Kay and Dick travelled, often I would get their mail, water outdoor flowers and indoor plants, check the basement and the heater, check the pool during the summer, and so on. Once, they returned from an overseas adventure and found that half the water was out of the pool. I, of course, knew this because I was the one who caused it. At that point, it was too late to call the pool guy. So I had to face them. The look on Mr. Creveling’s face was priceless. “Not a happy camper” is the look that comes to mind. I, of course, was embarrassed (but, let’s be honest, I was also chuckling inside). Kay smiled at me, and she leaned into Dick and quietly said, “Let’s not have Andy worry about the pool next time.”
On another trip, Kay and Dick returned home to find that I had watered all the indoor plants, including the artificial ones. From that point forward, Kay always had the real plants conveniently relocated to one place for me. She paid attention to details that matter.
On every trip they ever took, without exception, I enjoyed whatever snacks were on the counter or in dishes throughout their home. The smile on Kay’s face when she learned that I had eaten a couple dog treats that looked like pretzels out of a container that just happened to be located on the kitchen counter next to a container of peanut-butter filled pretzels was priceless. I loved her laugh, and I can still picture her smiling and laughing that day.
It’s hard to imagine a world without our parents and grandparents, but that’s the reality that we all have to embrace. And even though this was Kay’s time, that doesn’t make this time any easier. Rick, Tricia, Mal and Collin are blessed to have had Kay in their lives, and they know this. But Kay was also blessed to have them. She went to God knowing that she was loved by her family. And that’s a pretty special thing.
Rest in peace, Kay. It was a joy to know you.
Pamela Emery
Kay was an extraordinary woman. Her kindness, intellect and wit were shared and enjoyed by those who knew her. I truly enjoyed and appreciated her friendship; especially during my teaching time at Curtin.She will be missed.
Mary Malloy
Kay was a wonderful, dynamic and loving individual. I remember our active participation in the AAUW, the Annunciation Church and community events. Her husband was a very caring, good-natured husband as well.God bless the family. From Mary Malloy Bramstedt
Mary Bartlett Wolf
Your parents and grandparents were dedicated educators in the WASD. It was a pleasure to know them. As their former students learn of their passing, I hope they reach out to you with the memories they have of your parents. Every time I drive Grampian Blvd and pass your former home, I think of them working and planting flowers this time of year in the front yard. May they rest in peace. (Parents of Patrick and Peggy Wolf) Sincerely, Mike and Mary Wolf