Elza Mae Yarbor

Elza Mae Yarbor, age 77, of Goreville, Illinois, passed away Sunday, March 17, 2024 at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Illinois.

Mae was born June 05, 1946 in Goreville, Illinois, a daughter of Charles and Margaret (Jackson) Girtman. Mae attended Goreville Schools then married the love of her life, Larry Yarbor on May 27, 1964 in Rochester, IL. Together they started their family and raised their daughters. She had worked as a beautician, and as a substitute teacher. In 1985 she attended Shawnee College and later SIU University and earned a Bachelor Degree in Education. She continued to substitute teach in schools in the area and worked at Shawnee College teaching GED classes. She later worked at Arrowleaf in Vienna doing social work. She loved the work she did and found it fulfilling by helping the residents. Mae was an avid reader and liked gardening and yard work. She was like a mother to many children over the years.

She is survived by two daughters, Candice M. Yarbor-McCurdy of Goreville, IL and Misty D. Yarbor (David Bartlett) of Goreville, IL; five grandchildren, Dakodah McCurdy, Zachary McCurdy, Dustin Rees, Echo Rees, and Ezra Rees; six siblings, Beverly O'Connor of Vincennes, IL, Ellen Louise Girtman of Marion, IL, Daniel (Robin) Girtman of Marion, IL, Marshall Girtman of Sesser, IL, Marcia (Bob) Bartlett of Marion, IL, and Gwendolyn Jones of Harrisburg, IL; and many nieces & nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Larry Yarbor; her parents, Charles and Margaret Girtman; and four siblings, Dennis Girtman, Charlene McGlone, Darlene McCourt, and Charles Douglas Girtman.

Graveside services will be held Thursday, March 21, 2024, 11:00 AM at Cana Cemetery with burial to follow.