Barbara Jean Yeaple's Obituary
Barbara Jean Yeaple, 85, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 17, 2025, in Lakeland, Florida. She was born on April 28, 1939, in Winter Haven, Florida to King and Clyde (Owen) Reeves. Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.
She Graduated in 1956 from Winter Haven High School where she was very active in Honor Society, Band (Clarinet), Spanish club and other organizations. From there Barbara went on to attend Rider College in Trenton, NJ where she received an associate in arts degree, majoring in Secretarial Science. While there she made many friends serving as Vice President of her Dormitory, treasurer of her inter-dormitory council and treasurer of Eta Upsilon Gamma sorority.
Most importantly while at Rider College she met a young man named Allan Yeaple. Their love blossomed and on March 28, 1959, they were married. They resided in Winter Haven and moved to Auburndale, Florida in the 70’s and eventually to the Colonnades community in Lakeland, FL in 2000.
Barbara established a career as an office manager for Vigoro Industries in Winter Haven where she eventually retired. She stayed involved in her community by volunteering and participating in many groups and organizations: St. Stephens Episcopal Church, Daughters of the King, Talbot house ministry, Softball team Mom, Scout Mom, church vestry positions, Vacation Bible School team, Colonnades status committee member, Colonnades Club house Calendar Manager, Fitness leader, Church and Colonnades Choir, Faith Alive, Cursillo. Barbara never met a stranger and was always ready to make a meal for someone that was ill or in need.
She lived a full and amazing life of travel by air, land and sea. With her husband in a van around the country, then around the Caribbean via hundreds of cruises and to Europe and the Holy Land. She always loved to do different crafts and later in life, she became a thriving member of a card making group where she learned and taught card making. Using these amazing talents to bring joy and ensure every family member, friend and loved one received a handmade card for every special event and sometimes when she just thought you needed one. She touched many lives; she loved and was loved. She will be missed.
Preceded in death by her husband Allan R. Yeaple; parents King and Clyde Reeves; Brother Gerald Reeves; and Great Grandson Jameson Morgan Woodhouse.
Survived by her children: daughter Laura Holbrook and her husband Ray Holbrook of Lakeland, Florida; son Daniel Yeaple and his wife Lisa Yeaple of Jacksonville, FL. Grandchildren: Brittany Herman and husband Scott Herman, Mallory Barfield and husband Chris Barfield, Justin Holbrook and wife Jen Holbrook, Christopher Daniel Yeaple and wife Sadie Yeaple. Great grandchildren: Camdyn Brooke Herman, Cason Scott Herman, Havyn Rae Dages, Jackson Brantley Woodhouse, Gracey Rayn Woodhouse, Oaklyn Marie Holbrook, Justin Curtis Holbrook, Jr., Eloise Mae Yeaple, Emily Rae Yeaple.
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