Lois Yockavitch

Lois Yockavitch, 84, of Sweet Valley, passed away at home on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016.

Lois was born in Pikes Creek on Dec. 11, 1931 and was daughter of the late William A. and Leona (Lewis) Cragle.

She graduated from Laketon High School in 1949. Lois certainly lived a full life. She spent more than 64 years doing what was most rewarding and meaningful to her, as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She met the man of her dreams, Anthony "Yock" Yockavitch, at a local square dance. Once married, she would soon join him in Alaska while he served in the U.S. Army, where they lived for two years. Once back in Sweet Valley, they would begin work building a house, spending evenings and weekends for more than a year on their dream home. Together they spent the next seven decades making their house into a home that would touch more lives than could be counted.

It became the place where memories were made; where all of their friends and relatives preferred to gather, the place of choice for their children's teenage friends to hang out, and even where some friends preferred to spend their vacations. It was also known for the famous "cook outs," backyard baseball and football games, dirt bikes, horses and so many other great memories. But nothing was more memorable than Lois's kitchen, the place where her kindness always made it a comfortable place for friends and strangers alike.

In addition to caring for her family, Lois was employed in the garment industry and shared work on her family's farm for many years. Also, along with her family, she owned and operated the Video Showcase in Sweet Valley for 26 years, during which time the entire community got to know her very well. While she had many interests, she proudly and without hesitation always said her family brought her the most joy in her life. Lois truly has left a legacy of "sweetness" for all of the lives which she has touched.

Lois was preceded in death by "Yock," her beloved husband of nearly 58 years, and her younger brother whom she adored, William L. Cragle.

She is survived by son, Anthony W., at home; daughter Kathy Lynn, Palm Coast, Fla.; son, Jeff and his wife, Elizabeth, Sweet Valley; grandchildren, Tammy, Josh, Jessica and Bradley.

A memorial service wil be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Fellowship Church, 45 Hildebrandt Road, Dallas, with the Rev. Marc Ramirez, pastor, officiating.

Friends may call from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday prior to the service at the church.

A private interment will be held in Maple Grove Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home Inc., Routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 600 Baltimore Drive, Wilkes Barre, PA, 18702, or Sweet Valley Ambulance Association. P.O. Box 207, Sweet Valley, PA, 18656.

Online condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com.