Janice Howell Yost

Janice Howell Yost, 78, of South Abington Township, passed away Saturday night at Hospice of the Sacred Heart surrounded by her family. She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Richard Yost.

Born in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late Esdras Fellows Howell and Florence Kehrli Howell. Raised in Clarks Summit, she attended Abington Heights High School, and was a 1968 graduate of Bloomsburg University, where she earned a BS in education. She was an aide and elementary teacher at Abington Heights and Lackawanna Trail for nearly 40 years.

Janice, known to most as Jan, was a kind person who gave love and laughter to everyone she met. She was always quick to strike up a conversation, and was willing to listen to those in need. A proud educator, she taught children with a happy heart, and brought a smile to their faces. She was a loving mother, and a doting grandmother. She enjoyed many summers at Lake Winola with her family, friends, and cousins. She was a member of St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Scranton.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by: a daughter, Lisa Martin and husband Darren, Bear Creek Township; a son, Keith Eckstein and wife Stephanie, South Abington Township; a brother, Attorney David A. Howell and wife Carol, North Abington Township; a nephew, Brett Howell and wife Kathy, Milford, CT; sister-in-law, Bonnie Plantholt, Clarks Summit; three grandchildren, Alex Martin, Lauren (Ash) Martin, and Jackson Eckstein; and many, many cousins.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Esdras F. Howell Jr.; and a previous husband, Alan Eckstein.

Janice's family would like to thank all of the friends, extended family, and clergy who have helped her in life, and comforted those of us dealing with her passing. Also thank you to the physicians, nurses, and staff who cared for Janice at Geisinger hospitals in Scranton and Plains Township, as well as the staff at Hospice of the Sacred Heart.

The funeral will be held on Saturday, February 22nd , at 11:00am at Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit, with services by Rev. David Searing. Burial will be private at a later date. Friends may call from 9:00 am until 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 100 Williams St., Dunmore, or a donation to a charity of your choice.