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
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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
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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