Helen L. Yoder

Helen Louise Yoder, 91, of New Paris, passed away peacefully at her son’s home Tuesday, January 16th.

She was born to Willis and Nona (Helmuth) Hochstedler at home on the dairy farm in Vermont, Indiana on February 10, 1932.

She graduated from Clay High School in 1950. Helen married the love of her life, Weldon Lee Yoder, on her 19th birthday, February 10, 1951 in her family home. Weldon passed away August 5, 2004.

Helen is survived by her two sons, Kenton (Catherine) Yoder and Terrill (Cindy) Yoder, both of New Paris. Helen loved her 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren: Jessica & Jonathan Stauffer (Caleb, Elliott, Lincoln), New Paris; David & Stephanie Yoder (Theodore, Eleanor, Caroline, Maxwell), Wakarusa; Jodi & Brian Kauffman (Jaymison, Natasha, Derrik, Quinton) LaBorie, Grenada; Chad & Laura Yoder, Goshen; Michael & Katrina Yoder, New Paris; Nikita Yoder, Goshen; Jessie Yoder, Goshen; Amanda & Peyton Bontrager (Tobias), Goshen; Jordan & Lauren Yoder, Goshen; and Elizabeth Yoder, Liberty, Kentucky.

Helen is also survived by her sisters-in law: Florence Hochstedler, Goshen; Catherine Yoder, Kokomo, Indiana; and Pat Hochstedler, Greentown, Indiana. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and three brothers, Walter, Willard, and Wilbur Gene Hochstedler.

Weldon and Helen spent two years in 1W service in Indianapolis, then eventually settled next to Weldon’s parents, helping on the family farm in Akron, Indiana. In 1975 they moved just outside New Paris, Indiana. Helen was a hard worker, tending a large garden, helping in the family model tractor business, and faithfully participating in the Primary Sunday School and women’s sewing of Salem Mennonite Church. She was a member at Salem more than 60 years.

Helen especially enjoyed bluegrass music along with Weldon. She played the upright bass and autoharp for The Gospel Enlighteners and Jubilee Road singing groups. She also played the organ. Helen loved to put together puzzles and play all kinds of table games. At 91, she was still a formidable opponent in word games. For many years, the highlight of her social life was weekly game nights with the Game Ladies, a group of widowed friends. She also enjoyed sewing, making dozens of comforters for relief work and quilts for all her grandchildren.

All who knew Helen will cherish the memory of her faithful, loving, and serving spirit. She will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be Monday, January 22 at Yoder-Culp funeral Home from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.

Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 23, at Salem Mennonite Church, New Paris with visitation one hour before.  Her son, Terrill Yoder, and the Salem ministry team will officiate.

Burial will follow in the Salem Mennonite Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given to the Salem Mennonite Church Sewing or Olive Branch Mennonite Missions.