Ruth Yilek Obituary
Ruth Antoinette "Toni" YILEK, 85, of Germania, PA, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2026, with family and friends by her side.
Known to many as "Nanny," she was loved by generations of family, friends, and former students. Born December 1, 1940, in Elmira, NY, she was the daughter of Harry and Theresa Straley Succowich. A graduate of Galeton Area High School, she earned an education degree from Mansfield State Teachers College. On May 2, 1964, in Germania, she married John Yilek, and together they built a life centered around family, community, and service.
Toni devoted her life to education, teaching in Cross Fork, Westfield, and ultimately retiring from the Galeton Area School District after more than 30 years of service. To generations of students, she was affectionately known as everyone's favorite third grade teacher, remembered for her kindness, spunk, and the enthusiasm she brought to her classroom.
She was a member of St. Germain Catholic Church and the Germania Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, where she enjoyed being part of the community she loved so much. Toni had a gift for connecting with people and truly never met a stranger. She loved camping, knitting, watching "her guys" work, and stopping to talk with anyone she happened to encounter. One of her greatest joys was cheering on her great-grandchildren and their friends at sporting events, and she treasured moments with her beloved granddogs.
She is survived by her children, Johnny (Janice) Yilek, Joe Yilek, and Theresa Yilek; her grandson, Colby (Brandy) Swartz; great-grandchildren, Paisley and Grayson; her brother, Bill Succowich; and sisters-in-law, Marge (Ken) Wallace, and Ruth Williams; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, John Yilek; and her sister-in-law, Penny Succowich.
Toni will be remembered for her warm spirit, her endless conversations, and the lasting impact she had on countless students and community members. Her kindness, humor, and love for others will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew her.
A gathering to celebrate Toni's life will be held on a later date. Memorials in Toni's memory may be made to the Galeton Area School District, 27 Bridge St., Galeton, PA 16922.
Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, Ulysses, PA.
