Penelope J. Yunghans

Penelope Jo Yunghans

SHINGLEHOUSE, PA---Penelope Jo “Pen” Yunghans, 78, beloved friend, sister, mother, grandmother, passed away on January 30, 2025 at her home in Shinglehouse, PA. Born in 1946 in Brockport, NY, she was the daughter of F. Laverne and Hilda (Heath) Dietter.

Pen attended Holley High School in Holley, NY and then graduated from Heidelberg University with a degree in Religious Education and Purdue University with a Master’s degree in Sociology. Pen was employed as a bank teller in college both in Frederick, MD and Lafayette, IN, a children’s librarian at Barker Library in Fredonia, NY and volunteered at Oswayo Valley Memorial Library in Shinglehouse. She also worked as a mobile therapist in Potter County, PA and as a counselor in the Wellsville, NY school district. Her life was always dedicated to serving and improving the lives of every community of which she was a part.

Pen had an unwavering passion for reading and knowledge. Her love for books was evident as she spent countless hours reading to children who visited her at the library igniting a love for literature in generations of young minds. In 1995 she authored Prize Winners: Ten Writers for Young Readers, a collective biography of 10 well known children’s authors. She was also a member of several book clubs, writing workshops and poetry groups. Pen enriched lives with words, her joyful spirit, creativity, and dedication.

Music was also an important part of her life. She sang in many school and community choruses and church choirs and also incorporated music into her work whenever possible. She played several instruments including cello, clarinet, guitar, mandolin, autoharp, and more. She was a member of the Oswayo Valley Senior Center, where she also brought her gift of music.

Pen shared a home and a life with Linda Kilbourn for many years and they were married in 2014. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fredonia, NY, Grace Lutheran Church in Dunkirk, NY and Bethel Lutheran Church in Portville, NY. When she wasn’t reading, Pen enjoyed playing board games with family and friends, solving puzzles, drawing, laughter and creating lasting cherished memories with everyone who was fortunate enough to know her.

Penelope is survived by her sister, Roxanna (James) Miller; her son, Daniel (Jen) Yunghans; Wayne Yunghans; her treasured grandchildren, Patrick, Leigha, Grayden, and Emma and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by Linda Kilbourn; her beloved son, Steven Yunghans and his wife, Erica; as well as her parents.

A memorial service to celebrate Pen’s life will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, located at 118 South Union St, Shinglehouse, PA 16748. All who knew and loved Pen are welcome to call from 11am until 1pm with services following at 1pm in the funeral home. The Rev. Ivy Gauvin of St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Bemus Point, NY, will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Pen’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org or to the Oswayo Valley Memorial Library, PO Box 188, Shinglehouse, PA 16748

Pen’s family has entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Pen, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.