Rita Yeakel

Rita M. Yeakel, 69, of Bangor, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 22, 2025 at St. Luke's Hospital - Allentown Campus. She was the beloved wife of the late Samuel Yeakel to whom she was married to for 43 years before his passing in 2020. Born in East Stroudsburg, Rita was the daughter of the late Clifford and Joan Smith (Shettler).

She is a 1973 graduate of Pius X H.S. and a 1975 graduate of Northampton Co. Community College, nursing program. Rita worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Gracedale and Slate Belt Medical Center.

Rita was known for her infectious love of music, particularly her fondness for Elvis, and enjoyed spending time in the kitchen, whether she was cooking family favorites or baking delightful treats. Rita found joy in the company of others, and she valued the relationships she built with home aides and caretakers, who became like family to her. Her true joy, however, came from being surrounded by her family, especially her beloved grandchildren. They were the light of her life, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

She was a member of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church - Pen Argyl.

She will be lovingly remembered by her sons: Michael C. Yeakel of Bangor, Mark S. Yeakel (Wendy Miramontes) of Roseto; daughters: Suzanne DeFranco (Stephen), of Roseto, and Mary Ellen Crowe (Christopher) of Hartlepool, England; grandchildren: Landon, Daniel, Hannah and Madilyn; Brothers: John C. Smith (Michelle) of Roseto and James C. Smith of Portland, PA, sister: Stephany Simon (Harold) of Pen Argyl.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11AM on Friday, August 29, 2025 in the GEORGE G. BENSING FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2165 Community Drive- - Bath, PA 18014. Friends and Relatives are invited to a visitation from 9:30 AM until the time of the service. Entombment of cremated remains will be held privately at Fairview Cemetery - Moorestown. Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at: bensingfuneralhome.net.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to American Diabetes Association https://diabetes.org P.O. Box 7023 Merrifield, VA 22116-7023. and/or American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741.