Elizabeth 'Holly'Achenbach Yohe, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.
Holly was born on March 29, 1941, in Lock Haven, PAto Hall and Elizabeth Achenbach. As a military child, she attended high
school in Lock Haven, PAand graduated from Biloxi High School in Mississippi. She earned a BAin 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, anAir 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 LukeAFB 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, VAin 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 PineappleAward 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 theAmerican 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.