Elizabeth A. Lauver

Elizabeth Ann Lauver was born January 4, 1948, in Munich Germany to Evan Y. Yerkes, an American G.I., and Anna Panzer Yerkes. Emigrating to the U.S. as a toddler, she spent her childhood on a dairy farm in Chester County, PA, where she raised countless barn cats, baby chickens, became an avid reader, and learned to cook alongside her American grandmother.
As a teenager, her family later moved to the "big city" of West Grove, PA after her father, a master carpenter, finished building their house. She attended Bishop Shannahan High School, graduating in 1965, confident in her belief that The Sound of Music was misleading and there was a lot less singing in a convent. She went on to attend West Chester University, graduating with a degree in Elementary Education in 1969.
On June 27, 1970, she married Kirk Lauver who, conveniently, grew up across the street from her in West Grove, thus resolving the age-old question "whose family do we visit for Christmas this year" since everyone was already in one place. They would later move to such far-flung places as Boston and Chicago, before returning to State College, PA where their daughters Susan (Jamie), and Rebecca (Jimi) would grow up and start families of their own.
A lifelong reader, and excellent cook, she amassed a collection of cookbooks dwarfed only by the Library of Congress. She watched every cooking show PBS aired, and, because there was only one TV in the house, her daughters watched them too. They are now confident, if slightly less successful, cooks of their own.
Her greatest source of joy were her grandchildren, Ben and Julie Ruff, and John, Elliott and Anna Gingerich for whom her love was limitless and in whom she instilled her love of books, cats and french-fries.
She is survived by her husband, Kirk, her brother Michael Yerkes, brothers-in-law Lynn (Ann), Mark (Debbie) and Dale (Bev) Lauver, 9 nieces and nephews, and friends too many to count.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Evan and Anna Yerkes, and grandson Evan Ruff.
Friends will be received on Thursday, April 17, from 12:30-1:30 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St. State College PA with a Celebration of Life immediately following. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions may be made to the Schlow Centre Region Library, 211 S. Allen St. State College, PA 16801, Centre County PAWS, 1401 Trout Rd. State College, PA 16801 or, the charitable organization of your choice.