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Lazarus Project

An obituary project of MennObits.
Source of individual obituaries given with each record.
This file is named for the year the obituary was recorded here, not the death year. 

2026: X-Z


QUICK REFERENCE INDEX (click on name to jump to obituary)




Yoder, Cora Mae (Maust)

February 14, 1927 - April 8, 2022

Cora Mae Maust Yoder, 95, of Pigeon, Michigan, died at Country Gardens on April 8, 2022 after a long and blessed life. She was born in Bay Port, Michigan, on February 14, 1927, to Earl and Idella Overholt Maust.

She was married to Luke D Yoder on December 28, 1949, in Pigeon, and gave her life to raising their four children, exceling in the art of homemaking, and supporting Luke in his work as pastor and farmer.

Born on Valentine’s Day, Cora carried a bit of the romantic in her, memorizing a poem to say when Luke proposed marriage. She loved watching sunsets after the table was set and before the family came in for supper. For well over 60 years, she kept a steady supply of chocolate chip cookies on hand for her children and grandchildren. She hosted countless guests for Sunday noon meals and found pleasure in her flowerbeds and vegetable garden.

Surviving are two sons, Darrel (Lynette) Yoder and Dale (Phyllis) Yoder, and daughter-in-law Patricia Yoder, all of Bay Port; her daughter, Gloria (Eugene) Diener of Harrisonburg, Va., 11 grandchildren, Shari Craig, Michael (Grace) Yoder, Obed (Kari) Diener, Brian (Melissa) Diener, Jeffrey (Rhonda) Yoder, Justin Yoder, Jaclyn Beitzel, Mitchell (Lauren) Yoder, Megan (T. J.) Gilbert, Tyler (Kendra) Yoder and Rachel (Grayson) Mast; 15 great grandchildren, Braydon, Maelin, and Regan Craig; Theodore, Cyrus, Frances, and Simone Diener; Derrick Gilbert; and Mason, Louisa, Willa, Vincent, Charles, Ezra, and Ruthie Yoder. She is also survived by her brother Glenn Maust, sister-in-law Freda Maust, both of Bay Port, and many favorite nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Luke Yoder; son Merlin Yoder, granddaughter, Katie Yoder; sister, Gertrude Dutcher; and two brothers, Elmer Maust and James Maust.

The funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m., April 11, 2022 at the Pigeon River Mennonite Church. Pastor Dave Maurer will officiate with burial in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 10th from 3:00pm to 7:00pm and Monday from 10:00am until time of service at the Pigeon River Mennonite Church.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Pigeon River Mennonite Church or Country Gardens Assisted Living.
https://www.ransfordfuneralhome.com/obituaries/cora-yoder  - Accessed January 18, 2026 by Kevin Miller

Yoder, Monroe Edward

February 10, 1931 - March 17, 2014

Monroe Edward Yoder 83 of Sugarcreek died Monday, March 17, 2014 at his residence following a period of declining health. He was born February 10, 1931 in New Philadelphia to the late Mannasses R. and Edna Mullet Yoder. He worked for Sugarcreek Farmers Equity for 23 years, Eureka Machine Shop for 20 years and Sugarcreek McDonald's for 13 years. He was a member of Sugarcreek First Mennonite Church and did his 2 years of volunteer service at Massillon City Hospital. He was an EMT with Swiss Valley Ambulance for 26 years, a member of the former Shanesville Fire Dept. and a lifetime member of Sugarcreek Fire Dept. where he served as Captain for 12 years and retired at the age of 65. Monroe was a member of the Kustom Kemps Car Club, Amateur Radio Club for 46 years, enjoyed photography for many years and was a 9 gallon Blood Donor. He is survived by his wife, the former Viola "Vi" Miller, whom he married November 2, 1957; his three sons Craig A Carole Yoder of Baltic, Todd W. Teresa Yoder of Sugarcreek and Eric R. Yoder of Sugarcreek and his friend Lisa Gianettino, 5 grandchildren Justin Yoder, Tara Yoder, Andrea Yoder, Bree Yoder and Kyle Yoder, seven sisters Elsie Owen Schrock and Lovina Andy Mullet both of Sugarcreek, Rebecca John Miller of Millersburg, Betty Eli Miller of Dover, Ora Roman Miller of Sugarcreek, Edna Owen Hochstetler of Williamsfield, OH and Diane Ervin Miller of Dover and brother-in-law Bert Schlabach of Sugarcreek. In addition to his parents, he is preceded by his sister Emma Schlabach, his brother Mel Yoder and sister-in-law Mary Yoder. Services will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the First Mennonite Church in Sugarcreek with Rev. Jayne Byler officiating. Burial will follow in Union Hill Cemetery. Friends may call on Wednesday from 4-7 PM and Thursday from 10-11 at the First Mennonite Church in Sugarcreek. Firefighters Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday at 7 PM at the Church. Arrangements are being handled by Smith-Varns Funeral Home at Sugarcreek. Memorials may be made to the First Mennonite Church PO Box 250 Sugarcreek, Ohio 44681.
https://www.leboldsmithfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Monroe-Edward-Yoder?obId=13222732  - Accessed January 15, 2026 by Amy Stauffer-McNutt

Yoder, Patricia Ann (Shetler)

January 27, 1956 - June 2, 2025

Patricia Ann (Shetler) Yoder, a beloved mother, precious grandmother, and faithful friend passed away on June 2nd, 2025, after a 2 year battle with pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by her children and daughter-in-law as she passed peacefully in her home along the shoreline of Lake Huron.

She was born on January 27, 1956, in Pigeon to Leland and Wilma (Troyer) Shetler. She grew up on Bay Port Road and graduated from Laker High School in 1974. She attended Eastern Mennonite College in Harrisonburg, Virginia and later completed her nursing degree at St. Clair Community College. She cared faithfully for others in various nursing roles at Scheurer Hospital, Bay Medical Center, and Laker Elementary School over her career.

On November 3, 1979, she married Merlin Yoder, also from Bay Port. Together, they worked to develop a deep love for the Lord, His church, and His people. They built a successful farm, planted many gardens and trees, biked thousands of miles, and shared countless laughs. Together they helped plant the Community Bookstore in Pigeon, launched a local chapter of the Foods Resource Bank, and volunteered in numerous capacities both in Huron County and abroad. Pat was a faithful and involved member at Pigeon River Mennonite Church, while also enjoying worship with her brothers and sisters in Christ at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia and Mercy Hill Church in Port Austin.

Patty played guitar and loved music. She enjoyed praising the Lord through song, even in her final days. In the years after Merlin’s passing, Pat pursued others in caring and intentional ways, often pointing them to books and passages of scripture to comfort them in their grief. In her retirement, the squares of her calendar were filled with her grandkids’ sporting events, extended stays in Virginia, and creating crafts with her grandkids. She practiced hospitality well by hosting friends at the lake where she loved soaking in the wind, waves, and sunshine. Pat ran her race well and has pointed many to Christ along the way. To God be the Glory!

Pat is survived by her children Shari Craig of Pigeon and Michael and Grace (Shickel) Yoder of Harrisonburg, Virginia; grandchildren Brayden, Maelin, Regan, Mason, Louisa, and Willa; her mother, Wilma Shetler of Pigeon; three brothers, Randy Shetler of Port Austin, Marion (Marlene) Shetler of Pigeon, Ken (Edie) Shetler of Harlan, Iowa; and a sister, Beth (Ben) Maust of Bay Port.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Merlin; father, Leland Shetler; father and mother-in-law, Luke and Cora Yoder; and brother Gordon Shetler.

The funeral will be held at 11:00am Friday, June 6, 2025, at Pigeon River Mennonite Church, 7120 Geiger Road, Pigeon, MI. The family will receive friends at the church on Thursday, June 5th from 2:00-7:00pm; and on Friday June 6th from 10:00am until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to some organizations and ministries that Pat supported and was blessed by over the years: Pigeon River Mennonite Church, American Cancer Society, Growing Hope Globally, Rosedale International, Mercy Hill Church (Pt. Austin) building fund, Covenant Presbyterian (Harrisonburg, VA) building fund, or Redeemer Classical School (Keezletown, VA).
https://www.ransfordfuneralhome.com/obituaries/patricia-yoder  - Accessed January 18, 2026 by Kevin Miller

Yoder, Salomie (Spicher)

January 11, 1940 - December 6, 2025

Salomie Yoder, age 85, of Mt. Morris, Michigan, went home to be with her Heavenly Father on Saturday, December 6, 2025, surrounded by her family. Lomie was born January 11, 1940, in Belleville, Pennsylvania to Jonas Phillip and Rachel Ann (Yoder) Spicher. Lomie married Charles Yoder on August 25, 1962, at Locust Grove Mennonite Church in Belleville, Pennsylvania. She lived a life of faithfulness to the Lord and loved with all her heart. Guided by the words of I Corinthians 15:58 “Stand firm. Let nothing move you, always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” Her faithfulness was demonstrated by serving in various capacities at Mt. Morris Mennonite Church and later Resilient Hope Free Methodist Church. She served as a Bible Study Fellowship discussion leader for over 20 years encouraging others to study God’s word and grow in their walk with the Lord. Other areas of service included volunteering for Hospice as well as for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Over the years the Lord brought many individuals into her life who were the recipients of the love, support and encouragement she so freely gave. Lomie faithfully prayed for her husband, each of her children and their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family was a source of great joy to her and she actively supported and participated in their lives.

She is survived by Charles Yoder, husband of 63 years, three daughters and their spouses: Carol (Cary) Cavitt, Diane (John) Williams and Sharon (Greg) Kanagy. Charles and Lomie’s grandchildren: Sara Cavitt, Nathan (Ashlyn) Cavitt, Hanna (Phill) Consta, Scott Williams, De’Nae (Luke) Streeter, Hope Kanagy, Katie (Zachery) Bembry; great-grandchildren: Jack Cavitt, Jesse Consta, Anna-Mae and Boone Streeter. Surviving siblings and spouses: Dave (Effie) Spicher, sister-in-law, Virginia Spicher, Rachel (Lee) Hershberger, Tom (Sharon) Spicher.

Lomie was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Kore Spicher and John Spicher and step-mother, Bertha Spicher.

Lomie’s family will be present to receive friends from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services, at 1194 E. Mt. Morris Road, Mt. Morris, Michigan. Family will also be available for visitation from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Resilient Hope Free Methodist Church 2115 W. Mt. Morris Road, Mt. Morris, Michigan with memorial service immediately following. If you are unable to attend the service, a live stream of Lomie’s service can be found at https://www.facebook.com/ResilientHopeFreeMethodistChurch.

A private burial will take place at Flint Memorial Park, Mt. Morris, Michigan. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Lomie’s tribute page on martinfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Rosedale International Center, Bible Study Fellowship (BSF International) or Gator Wilderness Camp School.
https://www.martinfuneralhome.com/obituaries/salome-lomie-yoder  - Accessed January 18, 2026 by Kevin Miller

Yoder, Sheldon Lynn

March 10, 1941  -  January 10, 2026

Sheldon L. Yoder, age 84, of Avon, Ohio passed away Saturday, January 10, 2026. He was born March 10, 1941 in Washington County, Iowa to parents Jonas Yoder and Mary Zook.

Shelly grew up in Kalona, Iowa, where he attended a one-room schoolhouse for his primary education. He and younger brother Harlan were raised by their grandparents on their farm raising pigs and corn, learning from an early age the value of a hard day's work. Shelly went on to graduate from Kalona High School, then earned his Bachelor of Science at Eastern Mennonite College in Virginia, and a Master of Education from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Shelly taught high school science in biology and chemistry for 19 years at Pennridge High School in Perkasie, Pennsylvania. Later he taught computer technology for various local businesses as well as having his own computer businesses. He also met Doris Hockman through church activities in Blooming Glen, PA and their budding romance resulted in a beautiful outdoor wedding on August 20, 1977.

Shelly and Doris spent many years traveling and doing various ministry volunteer work, settling briefly in various areas of the world while always showing God's love to others. From Quakertown, PA to Hawaii at the University of the Nations/YWAM, then down to Australia with stops in Brisbine, Darwin, Perth, Sydney, and Tasmania, a visit to Papua New Guinea, and then to Florida and Virginia before finally settling in Avon for the last fifteen years to be closer to family. Shelly was a forever student, always itching to learn and try something new throughout his life. He found himself learning to fly small aircraft, building two log homes from the ground up in Pennsylvania and Virginia, becoming an amateur photographer with great skill, keeping up with the latest technology, and listening to podcasts whenever possible. But mostly, he wanted to serve others; and if he found adventure along the way, that made the journey even sweeter.

Sheldon is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years Doris Yoder; loving daughters Tina Ridgeway (Mark, dec.), April Yoder, and Kimberly Snyder (David); cherished grandchildren Christiana Ridgeway, Chris Ridgeway (Donna), Andrew Ridgeway (Michelle), Nicole Snyder, and Elliana Snyder; and dear great-grandchildren Breanna, Colin, and Corbin. In addition to his parents, Shelly was preceded in death by his brother Harlan Yoder; and grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Ed Zook.

Memorial contributions in Shelly's honor are suggested to Journey Church, or LIFE: A Dementia Friendly Foundation, Memory Café, or International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.

Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 2:00pm at Journey Church, Avon Campus, 995 Center Rd, Avon, OH 44011. For those who wish to attend remotely, this streaming link (click here) will be available beginning at 1:45pm on Saturday, January 17, 2026 (provided by the church 440-331-7700). www.buschcares.com 440-933-3202
https://www.buschcares.com/obituaries/Sheldon-Lynn-Yoder?obId=46910986 Accessed January 14, 2026 by Phil Kniss

Yoder, Susan I. (Helmuth)

August 16, 1922 - August 22, 2016

Susan I. Yoder, 94, of Loogootee, IN, passed away at 10:15 a.m. Monday, August 22, 2016 at Memorial Hospital and Healthcare Center.

She was born August 16, 1922 in Kalona, Iowa to the late Peter and Barbara (Miller) Helmuth and married Sylvanus Yoder on February 1, 1945. He died July 31, 2002.

Susan was a member of the Gospel Haven Mennonite Church in Benton. She enjoyed gardening, quilting and attending the sewing circle. She also loved traveling, cooking and family gatherings. Susan spent nearly 20 winters in Phoenix, Arizona and loved her time spent there.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Cecil Yoder; great-grandson, Kenny Yoder; siblings, Edgar (Bertha) Helmuth, Raymond Helmuth, Katie Yoder and Emma Hostetler.

Susan is survived by her children, Rosella (Richard) Hostetler of Sugarcreek, Dallas (Alma) Yoder of Loogootee, IN, Leonard (Esther) Yoder of Montgomery, IN, Charlene (Glen) Hofer of Stirling, Alberta, Canada and Lynette (LaWayne) Ropp of Estacada, OR.; grandchildren, Cheryl (Daryl) Bange, Norita (Marcus) Yoder, Curtis (Rhonda) Yoder, Norvan (Jewel) Yoder, Conrad (Emily) Yoder, Rachelle (Lavern) Martin, Renita (Rick) Rhodes, Rendall (Annie) Hostetler, Regan (Crystal) Hostetler, Ryan (Rochelle) Hostetler, Jolene Sue Yoder, Scott (Darla) Yoder, Tyson (Gwen) Yoder, Dewey (Stacey) Yoder, Tonya (Josh) Good, Andrea (Lyndon) Yoder, Jennifer (Dale) Smucker, Kenneth (Ervina) Yoder, Rachel (Lynn) Hochstetler, Jon Marc (Hannah) Yoder, Susan Hofer, Emily (Richard) Miller, Brent Hofer, Larion Ropp, Stefan Ropp, Lisa (fiancé, Edwin Bontrager) Ropp, Dorvan Ropp and Carrie Ropp; 58 great-grandchildren; brother, Paul (Edith) Helmuth of Kalona, IA.; daughter-in-law, Freda (Roger) Helmuth; sister-in-law, Ida Helmuth of Goshen; brothers-in-law, Paul Yoder and Leslie Hostetler, both of Kalona, IA.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at Faith Haven Mennonite Church, 8865 TR 635, Fredericksburg (located behind Stone Barn Furniture on SR 241, North of Mt. Hope). Burial will follow in Gospel Haven Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Friends may call on Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Faith Haven Mennonite Church.
https://www.leboldsmithfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Susan-I-Yoder?obId=13187831  - Accessed February 9, 2026 by Kevin Miller

Yoder, Sylvanus L.

July 6, 1923 - July 31, 2002

Sylvanus L. Yoder, 79, of 8922 SR 241, Fredericksburg, OH, died Wednesday morning, July 31, 2002 at Pomerene Hospital in Millersburg, OH following a period of declining health. He had been a resident of Walnut Hill Nursing Home in Walnut Creek, OH for the last 2 years.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday at 2:00 PM at the Gospel Haven Mennonite Church in Benton with Pastor Dennis Mullet officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call on Saturday from 5-9:00 PM at the church. Spidell Funeral Home in Mount Eaton is handling the arrangements.

He was born on July 6, 1923 in Kalona, IA to the late Edward G. and Anna Ropp Yoder and had previously lived in Loogootee, IN and in Hayward, WI and spent the winter months in Phoenix, AZ for the last 20 years. He was a retired farmer and a member of the Fresh Start Mennonite Chapel in Washington, IN.

On February 1, 1945 he married Susan I. Helmuth, who survives. Also surviving are 6 children, Cecil Freda Yoder of Fredericksburg, OH, Rosella Richard Hostetler of Nashwauk, MN, Dallas Alma Yoder of Loogootee, IN, Leonard Esther Yoder of Montgomery, IN Charlene Glenn Hofer of Alberta, Canada, and Lynette LaWayne Ropp of Estacada, OR; 28 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren; 4 sisters, Viola Schlabach of Kalona, IA, Edna Yoder of Crofton, KY, Dorothy Miller of Kalona, IA, and Lydia Anna Miller of Crofton, KY; 4 brothers, Chris Yoder of Kalona, IA, J. Edward Yoder of Argyle, IA, Alton Yoder of Crofton, KY, and Marvin Yoder of Crofton, KY. He was preceded in death by 2 brother Thomas and Lewis Yoder.
https://www.spidellfuneralhomemounteaton.com/obituaries/Sylvanus-L-Yoder?obId=13199477  - Accessed February 9, 2026 by Kevin Miller

Zehr, Eileen M. (Roggie)

October 19, 1931 - December 12, 2022

LOWVILLE/CROGHAN – Eileen M. Zehr, 91, formerly of Brookside Senior Living Community, Lowville, and Steiner Road, Croghan, passed away peacefully Monday morning, December 12, 2022 at Lewis County Residential Health Care Facility where she had resided for nearly three years.

Eileen is survived by six daughters and their husbands, Ruth Ann and Darrell McVay of St. Clairsville, Ohio; Barbara and Jesse Zehr of Lowville; Charlene and Merlin Moser of Croghan; Loretta and Steven “Chuck” Marks and Brenda and Robert Kniss, both of Harrisonburg, Va.; and Rosemarie and Steven Yousey of Lyndonville; 17 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins.  She is predeceased by her husband, Rev. Richard J. Zehr who passed away on July 5, 2006; two brothers, Ezra Roggie and Merle Roggie; two sisters, Laura Steria and Catherine Martin; and one great-grandson, Ezekial Moser.  Eileen is also survived by several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law on Richard’s side of the family, as well as several who are predeceased.

Eileen was born at home in Croghan, NY on October 19, 1931, a daughter of the late Jacob N. and Anna Widrick Roggie.  She attended country school district #10 on the Swiss Road and Beaver Falls High School.  Before her marriage, Eileen worked on the family farm. She married Richard J. Zehr on June 4, 1952 at Croghan Mennonite Church with Rev. Lloyd Boshart officiating.  Together with her husband they raised their family and owned and operated their dairy farm on Kirschnerville Road, Croghan from 1953 to 1986.  Eileen’s husband, Richard, was Bishop of the Lewis County Conservative Mennonite churches and they were members of Croghan Mennonite Church.  Eileen was also active as a member of Dorcas Sisters Sewing Circle at the church.  Upon their retirement they moved to Steiner Road in Croghan and the farm was taken over by their daughter and son-in-law, Charlene and Merlin Moser. The farm is now owned by her grandson and his wife, Matt and Rachel Moser. Eileen moved to Brookside Senior Living Community in January of 2013.  She enjoyed sewing, painting, growing African violets, and hosting Sunday dinners.  Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at Croghan Mennonite Church with Paul Mast and Bruce Roggie, Pastors, and Myron Roggie, Pastor and nephew, officiating.  Private burial will be held in Croghan Mennonite Church Cemetery at the convenience of the family.   Calling hours will be from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 16, 2022 at the Croghan Mennonite Church.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Beaver Camp, 8884 Buck Point Road, Lowvillle, NY 13367; or Dorcas Sisters Sewing Circle, P.O. Box 68, Croghan, NY 13327; or Rosedale International, 2120 E. 5th Ave., Columbus, OH 43219.   Arrangements are with Iseneker Funeral Home, Inc., Lowville.

Condolences may be made online at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com.
https://www.isenekerfuneralhome.com/obituary/Eileen-Zehr - Accessed by Phil Kniss on 2/20/2026 18:56:26

Zimmerman, Dallas Scott

December 24, 2025 - January 11, 2026

Dallas Scott Zimmerman, born on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, left the loving arms of his mother and father for the arms of Jesus on Sunday morning, Jan. 11, 2026 at 6:56 a.m. at the age of two weeks and four days.  Dallas died at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital in Saint Louis, MO, after a 10-day illness.

He is truly a spotless soul gone to be with the Lord, and although Dallas cannot come to us, we can go to him!

Dallas is survived by his parents Braiden & Martha Rudolph Hess Zimmerman of Bluford, IL; two step-sisters: Stella Hess (10) and Veronica Hess (8); a brother Travis Zimmerman (2); paternal grandparents Kenneth & Janet (Musser) Zimmerman of Belle Rive, IL; and maternal grandparents Andrew & Caroline (Nolt) Rudolph of Bluford.  Dallas is also greatly missed by Tim & Marcile Hess & family of Bluford.

The family will receive visitors from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at Oasis Mennonite Church in Bluford.  The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 15 at the church.  Interment will follow at Oasis Mennonite Church Cemetery, adjacent to the church.

Online condolences, memories, and words of encouragement may be shared at www.youngfuneralhomellc.com.
https://www.youngfuneralhomellc.com/obituary/Dallas-Zimmerman Accessed January 14, 2026 by Phil Kniss




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