Jill K. (Thomas) Irick, 68, of Pottstown, beloved partner of Chuck Yost, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 17, 2026, at her residence.
Born in Scranton, Jill was the daughter of the late E. Robert Thomas and Ruth Jean (Williams) Berdan.
Jill was truly one of a kind. She was a fighter—strong, tough, determined, and never one to give up easily. But beneath that strength was one of the biggest hearts anyone could know. Jill loved deeply, forgave easily, and cared endlessly for the people and animals she held close. Her family meant more to her than anything in the world, and her children and grandchildren were the greatest source of joy and pride in her life. She treasured every moment with them and loved watching her family grow.
Jill had a long and fulfilling career as a travel agent. She worked as the Director of Operations at World Travel, a career she genuinely loved until she retired. Her passion for travel went far beyond her work. Jill loved seeing the world and was fortunate to travel to many wonderful places with some of her closest and dearest friends. The friendships, adventures, laughter, and memories made along the way were some of the greatest treasures of her life.
The beach was her happy place, with the Outer Banks of North Carolina holding a particularly special place in her heart. Many happy memories were made there, enjoying the sun, the wild horses, and time with the people she loved.
Jill loved Christmas and all the seasons of the year. She enjoyed decorating, painting, celebrating, and finding joy in the little traditions that made each season special. She had a lifelong passion for horses and proudly volunteered at Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines.
Jill was the kind of person who left an impression. She fought fiercely for the people she loved and always put her family first. She will be deeply missed by all, most especially by her dog, Koda.
She leaves behind a lifetime of memories with the people she loved most.
Surviving, along with Chuck, are her daughter, Megan Miller, wife of Eric; sons, Zack Irick, husband of Colleen, and Steven Irick, husband of Vickie; grandchildren, Cole, Mason, Olivia, Kendall, Cora, John, Henry, and Violet; great-grandchild, Kysin; sister, Cheryl Ellmaker, wife of Arlan; brother-in-law, Ron; and Chuck’s three daughters and granddaughter, who held a special place in Jill’s heart; especially Lauren who cared for her.
Along with her parents, Jill was predeceased by her step-father, Lee Berdan and sister, Lynne Raneri.
Funeral services will be held Friday, August 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Catagnus Funeral Home & Cremation Center, LLC, 711 N. Franklin St., Pottstown, PA 19464. Burial will follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Pottstown. Visitation will be held Friday from 9:30–10:45 AM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jill’s memory to Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines at Ryerss Farm for Aged Equines (https://www.ryerssfarm.org/support?utm_source=chatgpt.com).