KATHLEEN YALEN

Born on June 20, 1944, in Martins Ferry, Ohio, Kathy was the only child of William Clayton Ware and Norma Regina Higgs Ware. She attended Martins Ferry High School, where she was an active member of the Cosmetology Club. It was during this time that she met her future husband, Andrew Michael Yalen. The two were married on December 23, 1961, at the First Baptist Church in Martins Ferry. They welcomed three children and lived in Martins Ferry until 1974, when they moved to Wintersville, Ohio. In 2019, Kathy and Andy relocated to Glenshaw, Pennsylvania.

Kathy was a devoted homemaker and loving mother who took great pride in her family. Her extensive collection of photo albums and film reels attests to her commitment to preserving her family’s memories. Kathy’s passion for genealogy led her to extensive study her family’s history, visiting cemeteries and gathering records to enrich her family tree. Her community involvement included roles as President of the Mackey School PTA, a supporter of the Indian Creek Band Boosters, and Local Chapter Assistant Organizer for the Wintersville Cub Scouts. Kathy also had a love for travel, particularly her trips to Europe, and developed a keen interest in computers and electronics.

She is survived by: her husband of 62 years, Andrew Michael Yalen; her children, Lisa Yalen Zamperini (John) of Glenshaw, Pennsylvania, Michael Yalen (Lyndi) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Jason Yalen (Marcus Baldwin) of London, England; and six grandchildren, Melissa Zamperini Klug (Mike) of Valencia, Pennsylvania, Tony Zamperini (Katelyn) of McCandless, Pennsylvania, Ben Zamperini of Glenshaw, Pennsylvania, Christopher Glaeser-Yalen (Kirsten) of London, England, Karrah Foster Amos (Jonah) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Drew Yalen of Atlanta, Georgia. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren.

Affectionately known as “Bugga” to her grandchildren, Kathy’s presence brought joy and laughter to those around her. Her legacy of love and care will be cherished by all who knew her. She spent her final years surrounded by a family that truly and deeply loved her.

Visitation Friday September 14 4-7 PM at Neely Funeral Home, 2208 Mt. Royal Blvd. Glenshaw, PA 15116. Funeral Service Saturday September 14 at 11 AM at the Funeral Home, Burial to follow at Mount Royal Cemetery, 2700 Mt. Royal Blvd. Glenshaw, PA 15116.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.

Please visit us at neelyfuneralhome.com.