Elizabeth H. Yohe
Elizabeth “Holly” Achenbach Yohe passed away peacefully on September 4th, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.
Holly was born on March 29, 1941, in Lock Haven, PA to Hall and Elizabeth Achenbach. As a military child, she attended high school in Lock Haven, PA and graduated from Biloxi High School in Mississippi. She earned a BA in English and graduated from Gettysburg College. There she was a member of Phi Mu sorority and later married her college sweetheart, Skip Yohe.
While being a military spouse to Skip, an Air Force fighter pilot for 24 years, they were stationed many places including a 3-year assignment in St. Andrews, Scotland with the Royal Air Force, Washington DC, Eglin AFB in Florida, and finishing their military service at Luke AFB in Arizona. During this time, Holly was an active member of the Officers Wives Club and continued her teaching career as a substitute while raising her family.
Holly and Skip moved to Williamsburg, VA in 1988 as civilians where she began her second career as an Historical Interpreter for Colonial Williamsburg. She loved touring and was recognized by her peers with the coveted Order of the Pineapple Award for outstanding hospitality. It was the perfect job for Holly who often said, “I get paid to talk”.
In 1992, Skip was relocated for business to Tel Aviv, Israel for 5 years. Holly was active in the Israeli Women’s Club, International Wives Club, continued to substitute teach and returned each summer to do history tours in Williamsburg.
After retiring from Colonial Williamsburg, she was an Elderhostel tour guide for the College of William and Mary and served as a private tour guide in the historic triangle until her death. She was a frequent public speaker and never missed an opportunity to address an audience. Holly enjoyed life to the fullest and was a “joiner.” She was active in various clubs and service organizations, including DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), Vintage Ladies, Phi Mu, Gettysburg Alumni Association, the St. Andrews Society of Williamsburg (where she was voted the Hottie Scottie), Church Circle at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, and board member for The Salvation Army.
Holly was a devoted wife, mother, friend, and the best Nana. She loved talking, travelling (esp. to Scotland and Pine Creek Cabin), and giving back to her community. She taught Sunday School, was the Singing Elf for the hospital and rang The Salvation Army bell every year. She was a Royal enthusiast and could often be seen driving with the Queen in her yellow car. She loved children and was a true patriot. Holly was known for her world-famous chicken soup and was the Post Office’s number 1 fan! She was loved by all and was the life of the party. Some of her entertaining claims to fame, which are shared in her self-published book “Every Day’s a Holly Day”, include kissing Elvis Presley, meeting the Queen of England, and hosting Israeli Prime Minister Rabin for dinner, just to name a few.
Holly is survived by her children Laurie (and Shane) Alm of Dallas, TX; David (and Jane) Yohe of Scottsdale, AZ; and Lucy Anne (and Sean) Cummings of Crozet, VA. She was blessed with 6 grandchildren Brendan, Kate, Kelly, Holly, Jack, and Piper.
The family would like to express sincere gratitude to our incredible friends and neighbors from both near and far for their overwhelming encouragement and support. A Celebration of Life service will be hosted on November 25th at 2:00 p.m. at the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Salvation Army in Holly’s name.
