Mary L. Yoder, 99, passed away December 14, 2022, at Mennonite Memorial Home in Bluffton.
Mary was born October 4, 1923 in Pandora, the youngest of the four daughters of the late Samuel and Dora (Hilty) Locher. In June of 1950, she married Owen "Darrel" Yoder who preceded her in death on May 3, 2017.
Mary was raised on a farm near Pandora. She graduated from Pandora High School and Bluffton College. She then earned her MSW at Case Western Reserve University.
Darrel was a Pan American Airlines pilot, so for the first five years of their marriage, they lived in Beirut, London and Frankfurt, Germany. They then settled on the east coast, living primarily in New Jersey, where they stayed for 45 years. Mary, Darrel and their two children traveled extensively world-wide as Darrel continued his Pan Am career. Mary and Darrel continued their travels after his retirement.
Throughout her life, Mary was supportive of liberal social causes. She worked periodically as a social worker and also as a volunteer; supporting Planned Parenthood, environmental projects and relief efforts of the Mennonite Church.
Mary was thankful for the companionship and assistance from Joy Diller, of Columbus Grove, in her later years.
Mary is survived by her children, Mark (Debbie) Yoder of Denver, CO, and Anne (Dean) Stites of Portland, OR; two grandchildren, Jay Stites and Marianne Stites; and six nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by her grandson, John Yoder; and her three sisters.
A memorial gathering will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any of Mary's favorite charities.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services of Bluffton.
