Selma Susie Auernheimer
Selma Susie Auernheimer, 94, Reedley, Calif., formerly of Halstead, died Feb. 10, 2004.
She was born July 8, 1909 in Gotebo, Okla., the daughter of Adolph and Clara Goebel Auernheimer.
She was a 1928 graduate of Halstead High School and graduated in 1931 from Emporia Teachers College and in 1940 from Fresno State. Prior to retirement, she was employed by the YMCA. She began her career with the YMCA of Fresno County in 1944 and served for 30 years in various capacitites. During her employment with the YMCA Girls Camp at Camp Gaines, Sequoia Lake, Calif. She served as director there for 26 years, highly respected as the first acting woman director for the Fresno County YMCA. She traveled around Fresno County implementing the Tri-Gra-Y (elementary), Jr, Tri-Hi-Y (junior high) and Hi-Y (high school) clubs in schools around the area.
Selma retired from her position in 1969, but remained active as a volunteer for an additional 26 years. She received several awards and commendations for her years of loyalty and the service she provided to an organization that she loved very much. After retiring from the YMCA, Selma taught special education for an additional 11 years. She then began traveling across the United States and to many different countries.
In addition to her work, she was an active member of First Menonite Church of Reedley, Study and Civic Club, Women in Mission, Ladies Quilting group, Mennonite Central Committee, Sierra View Homes where she had been residing, Reedley Historical Society and Chamber of Commerce.
Selma founded the YMCA Reedley Pet and Storybook Parade over 60 years ago.
Survivors include: a brother, Roy Auernheimer and his wife Rosetta, Halstead; one brother-in-law, Gus Pankratz, North Newton, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by Brothers, Jacob Auernheimer in 2001, Walter Auernheimer in 2003, and Arthur Auernheimer in 2003; and two sisters, Florence Gomez in 2003 and Anna Pankratz in 2003.
A memorial service was held at First Mennonite Church of Reedley on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2004. A graveside service is planned later at Garden Mennonite Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Selma Auernheimer Campership Fund of the Central Valley YMCA, 1408 N. Street, Fresno, CA 93721, First Mennonite Church, P.O. Box 111 Reedley, CA 93564 or Sierra View Homes, 1155 E. Springfield Ave. Reedley, CA 93654 in care of Cairns Funeral Home, 940 F. Street, Reedley, CA.
