Mary L. Yoder, 103, of Wooster, Ohio, died peacefully Wednesday June 17, 2020, at Ohio s Hospice LifeCare as the result of a stroke.
Mary L. was born on October 12, 1916, in Wooster, Ohio, to Frank C. and Iva (Brink) Bresson. She attended St. Mary s parish school and graduated from Wooster High School. She married Ivan R. Yoder in 1940 and spent most of her adult life in Smithville, Ohio where she was very active in village life, including the Fire Department Auxiliary, Music Mothers and other school-related activities, the Mapledale lake community, and St. Paul s Lutheran Church where she served as Sunday school superintendent for 20 years. She worked in numerous positions, most notably at Gertsenslagers during World War II, as secretary to the late Dr. Robert L. Kirk in Smithville, and as secretary to the then Veterinary Science Research Department at OARDC.
Surviving is her daughter Nancy of Wooster as well as numerous nieces and nephews and a large extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, four brothers and two sisters.
Mary L. was at the center of a wide network of family and friends. Being with them for gatherings, meals, activities, and visits over coffee were among her greatest pleasures.
A small graveside service for the immediate family will be held at Smithville Cemetery. Because a large gathering of family and friends is not wise during the COVID-19 virus pandemic, the family plans instead to host a Celebration of Life in the summer of 2021, one year after her passing.
Memorial contributions may be made to one of her favorite charities, St. Jude Children s Research Hospital or Habitat for Humanity.
The family extends deep appreciation to her private in-home caregiver Ellen Brown as well as the doctors and staffs of the Wooster Community Hospital and Ohio Hospice LifeCare for the kind and skillful care given Mary at the end of her life.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Memorial Contributions
Memorial contributions may be made to one of her favorite charities, St. Jude Children s Research Hospital or Habitat for Humanity
Service
A small graveside service for the immediate family will be held at Smithville Cemetery. Because a large gathering of family and friends is not wise during the COVID-19 virus pandemic, the family plans instead to host a Celebration of Life in the summer of 2021, one year after her passing.
Visitation
I was so sorry to hear of Marty’s passing. Our families will always be tied together because of the many years of friendship . I always thoroughly enjoyed our phone conversations. I will miss them. Mary was always so positive and uplifting and always shared news of her beloved Smithville. Nancy, you and your entire family our in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Nancy,
I was sorry to hear about your mother yesterday. I am thinking of you now and will be in the days ahead.
My deepest sympathies to Nancy and the entire family. My dad lived next door to Mary my entire life. My mom Sue and I were very close with Mary. Every weekend I spent at my dads I would always go and visit with her!!!
My thoughts are with you, Nancy. Your mother had many years. My mother passed 20 yrs. ago. I remember going home with you, (my first overnight at someone’s house), and your mother was so gracious and welcoming. Many years since we’ve seen each other. God’s peace and love be with you.