Janet "Jeanette" E. Yoder

Janet “Jeanette” E. Yoder, 84, of Goshen, died Monday, September 28, 2020, at her home following her battle with breast cancer.

She was born November 20, 1935 in Goshen to Ora M. and Grace Naomi (Smeltzer) Yoder.

A 1957 graduate of Goshen College, Janet worked for a number of years in the family’s business, Yoder Department Store, Shipshewana, before accepting a service assignment with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) in Belgium. She then worked with MCC in Akron, Pennsylvania, where she worked with the SelfHelp Program, which has evolved into present day Ten Thousand Villages retail stores.

Returning to the family business, Yoder Department Store, Janet was instrumental in developing its fabric business, retiring as owner-manager.

She was preceded in death by both parents and two siblings, Leon and Elaine.

She is survived by her brother, Dr. Marion (Meredith) Yoder and three nephews, André, Marcel and Cordell and their spouses.

Janet was a long time member of College Mennonite Church where a private service will take place.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Mennonite Central Committee or College Mennonite Church.