Thomas S. Yoder

Thomas S. Yoder, 91, of 668 Bulltown Rd., Elverson, died Tuesday, January 31 at Ephrata Community Hospital. A loving and caring husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by his wife of 65 years, Fannie Y. (Kurtz) Yoder. Tom lived a life of honor and gratitude to his maker. Born in Elverson, he was the son of the late John H. and Anna (Stoltzfus) Yoder. Most of his life he was self-employed as a farmer growing tomatoes for Acme Markets and Campbell’s Soup as well as raising beef cattle and dairy heifers. For over sixty years he was a member of Zion Mennonite Church where he served in various leadership positions. He was a former treasurer of Freedom Gate Ministries and served on the board of Tel Hai Retirement Community. He also traveled to South America twice, once with Youth for Christ and also with Wycliffe. In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children: Linda married to Glen Hostetler, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Anna Lucille (Lucy) married to Glenn Weber, Mohnton; Loretta married to George Ostojic, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; and Douglas T. Yoder, Elverson; five grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; a brother Lester Yoder, Apple Creek, OH and two sisters: Mary Ellen Yoder, Honey Brook and Rosanna married to David Hostetler, Bluffton, OH. Preceding him in death was a daughter Rose L. Yoder in 1998; brothers Jesse and Maynard Yoder; and four brothers who died in childhood. His funeral will be held on Saturday, February 4 at 10 AM at the Zion Mennonite Church, 582 Zion Rd., Birdsboro with Rev. John Rush officiating. Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery. A viewing will be held on Friday from 6 – 8 PM at the Eckenroth Home for Funerals, 209 E. Main St., Terre Hill and at the church on Saturday from 9 – 10 AM. If desired, memorials may be sent to New Person Ministries (a transitional program for prisoners), P. O. Box 223, Reading, PA 19607 (www.newpersonministries.org). Online condolences may be posted on our website, www.groffeckenroth.com.