Joann Brandt Yoder

Jo Ann (Brandt) Yoder, 75, of Frisco, TX, formerly of Goshen, IN, passed from this earth to meet her Heavenly Father on July 21, 2013. Jo had been battling cancer since October 2011. Her entire family rejoices that she is now pain free and joining her loved ones that have entered the kingdom of heaven before her. Jo was born in Albion, IN on April 14, 1938, to Collen and Evelyn (Stump) Alwine. Her family moved to Goshen, IN shortly after her birth. Attending Goshen Schools, Jo was active in music and softball. Growing up in the Brenneman Missionary Church, she later attended First Baptist Church, and was a long time member of Jefferson Brethren Church in Goshen. On April 4, 1955 Jo married Kenton A. (Kenny) Brandt in Goshen, IN. She and Kenny raised four children, and enjoyed 10 Grandchildren, until Kenny passed away in September 1988. Jo had a passion for the Lord and music ministries within the churches she attended. Known for her quick wit and sense of humor, Jo was also straightforward, which usually left no one wondering how she really felt about a situation or topic. She really enjoyed cooking for all of her children, friends, and family. She always welcomed others into her home. Jo had the gift of hospitality. Jo had many jobs around Goshen and Elkhart County over the years: Lord's Dress Shop, helping Kenny with his milk route as a teenager and new wife, working at Western Rubber, Phillip's Pharmacy downtown store, Dr. Deuschle Dentistry, Goshen High School (as a Study Hall Supervisor, where she was known as a tough, yet very fun, and respected supervisor), Goshen College, and as the Switchboard Operator for the Elkhart County Offices. On Aug 4, 1989 Jo married Wendell C. Yoder of Elkhart, IN. She assisted Wendell in his Insurance Business until their retirement and move to Tucson, AZ in 1997. Together they traveled often, and enjoyed driving to Florida, South Carolina, Oregon, New Mexico, Texas, and back to Indiana for visits with all of their children, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and many other family and friends. While in Arizona, Jo loved serving as President and singing alto in their church's 60-voice choir, which often traveled to perform. Jo and Wendell moved to Frisco, TX in 2006, and became members of Prestonwood Baptist Church served in the Sunday school ministries and Young Couples & Pre-Married Counseling program. Missing her with love and cherished memories will be her husband of 24 years, Wendell, Sons: Randy (Sherrie) Brandt, Highland Village, TX, Kerry (Carla) Brandt, Maitland, FL; Daughters: Kandy (Steve) Stacker, Blacksburg, SC, Terri (Greg) Lambright, Leesburg, IN; Step- daughter: Kris Garris, Elkhart, IN; Step-sons: Mitch ( Andrea) Yoder, Elkhart, IN, Tony (Joanna) Yoder, Newport, OR; Sisters: Joyce (Dave) D'Arcy, Elkhart, IN, Karen Zimmerman, Lake Helen, FL; 18 Grandchildren and 20 Great Grandchildren. Preceding her in death are her parents, first husband Kenny Brandt, step-granddaughter Allison Yoder, all of Goshen, IN. Memorial services will be held in Plano, Tex. at Prestonwood Baptist Church on Aug. 8, and in Goshen, Ind., Friday Aug. 30, 2013 at 10:30 am at Jefferson Community Church, with visitation starting at 9:00 am. Pastor Jim Shrock will officiate. Memorial contributions are welcome and should be mailed to: Jefferson Community Church Helping Hands Fund, 58915 SR 15 Goshen, IN 46528 or Gentive Hospice Foundation, 7801 Mesquite Bend, #105 Irving, TX 75063