- January 28, 2026
Yerdis Ruth Ellison Trexler passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026, in Orange City, Florida, at the age of 95, having lived a vibrant, loving, and remarkably full life.
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, the third of four children to Norwegian immigrants, Yerdis grew up mostly under her mother’s care while her sea-captain father was at sea for months. The family later moved to Philadelphia, where she enjoyed an idyllic childhood in Stonehurst Hills and was deeply involved in sports, clubs, and activities at Upper Darby High School.
She met Jack Trexler during their senior year at Penn State when he offered her a ride home. They married one year after graduation and welcomed four children in the following seven years. After a short time in Syracuse, they settled in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, raising their family with a strong emphasis on travel, learning, and togetherness—first with Ocean City summers, later with Florida spring trips.
Once their children were in school, Yerdis earned her teaching degree in 1972 and taught elementary school for 19 years before retiring with Jack in 1991.
A devoted mother, Yerdis and Jack fostered a love of reading, education, family, friends, and exploration. Their home was a welcoming hub for extended relatives, neighborhood gatherings, bridge clubs, and tennis parties—creating joyful memories for their children. After the children were grown, the couple embraced grand adventures: U.S. road trips, European biking, Mediterranean cruises, and visits to Russia, China, and beyond.
Retirement in Palm Coast, Florida, brought continued activity—golf, tennis, biking, travel, Penn State football, and cherished visits from children and grandchildren. After Jack’s passing in 2006, Yerdis remained engaged with a strong network of friends, volunteering at the library, serving as a church Deacon, assisting at the Flagler County Historical Society museum, and even counting whales for migration data.
In 2019 she moved to John Knox Village (JKV) in Orange City. Though a stroke in May 2020 during early COVID presented challenges, she received exceptional care at JKV’s Oak View and Majestic Oaks, as well as from Halifax Hospice. Her family is deeply grateful for the compassionate support.
Yerdis is survived by daughters Kari (Glade Ellingson) and Franny (Dennis Rathbun), sons John (Marie) and Steve, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
She lived with kindness, humor, curiosity, and an open heart—truly a life well-lived, deeply cherished by all who knew her.
Anyone wishing to leave a memory of Yerdis, please visit here.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Yerdis may do so to the Flagler County Historical Society or Halifax Health Care Hospice.
