July 24, 1937 - March 9, 2022
Joyce A. Yoder, 84, of Belleville, passed away at 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at Valley View. Joyce was diagnosed with heart failure.
She was born in Mifflin County on July 24, 1937, to Alice (Hostetler) and Harvey Bratton.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Galen Bratton.
She is survived by husband, Gilbert Yoder, a brother Raymond Bratton and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
After graduating from Eastern Mennonite High School, Harrisonburg, Va., Joyce worked a short time as a secretary for a local lawyer. She then took employment with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) in Akron, Pa. That work took her to Amsterdam for two years and a year in Africa. She served 24 years with MCC, leaving in 1980 as an administrative secretary. She relocated to State College and was employed by State College School District for a time. She then returned to Mifflin County, working in the offices of the Lewistown Borough and helped to care for her aging mother Alice Bratton at home. She officially retired from the Lewistown Borough and volunteered her time and talents to the Belleville thrift shop, Belleville Mennonite Heritage Center and Valley View Board. Joyce having never been married, finally married Gilbert Yoder on Aug. 30, 1986. That brought 10 years of courtship to a close. Common Ground Magazine editor Ruth Dunmire was a friend of Joyce’s and that fostered a working relationship with Common Ground Magazine. Gib did some photography and Joyce contributed recipe articles and proofread the publications.
Joyce and Gib enjoyed traveling and visiting and hosting friends and family. She enjoyed reading, genealogy, shopping, just riding the countryside and dining out.
Joyce was a member of Maple Grove Mennonite Church.
A service will be held Monday, March 14, with Alan Kauffman and Vaughn Kanagy officiating.
A viewing will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. followed by a service at 11:30 a.m. at Valley View Chapel, Belleville. Light refreshments will be available following the service.
Masks are optional.
Memorial contributions may be made to MCC, PO Box 500, Akron, PA 17501-0500. Internment will be at Allensville Amish Mennonite Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements are under the care of Henderson Funeral Home, Belleville.
Online condolences may be offered at www.hendersonfuneralhomes.net.