Thelma Sorenson Yerkey, age 87, passed away on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at Corry Manor. She was born in Corry on January 24, 1924, a daughter of the late Roosevelt and Mildred Spencer Sorenson. As a child, she lived in Bedford County, graduated from high school there in 1942, and she then attended Lock Haven State Teachers College.

Yerkey, Thelma SorensonThelma gave her life to the Lord and became a Christian at a camp meeting in her early teens, and was a member of the Friends Church in Fishertown, PA. After returning to Corry, she owned and operated a small grocery store called “Thelma’s Corner Cupboard”. In 1952, Thelma married Walter (Tobe) Rininger, and he passed away in 1972.

Thelma was a wonderful cook and pie baker; her favorite pie was peach. She loved to entertain friends and family at her home, which was always decorated to fit the occasion. In 1975, Thelma married Charles Yerkey who only lived seven years after their marriage. Charles’ family was very loving and caring to Thelma and she enjoyed her new role as mother and grandmother.

In addition to her parents, Thelma was preceded in death by her husbands Walter and Charles, her brother Adrian (Jack) Sorenson, a nephew Richard Sorenson, and a daughter-in-law Monica Yerkey.

Survivors in the family include her sister-in-law Roberta Sorenson of Waterford; her nieces, Kathy Dolen (Larry), Becky Charlton (Gregory), Judy Sharer (Steve), and Vickie Sorenson; several great-nieces and nephews; her step-son Charles Yerkey; and many step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford on Friday morning from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service begins at 12:00 noon. Rev. William Rutledge will officiate and the burial will take place at Pine Grove Cemetery in Corry.