Willard J. Yoder Sr.

November 22, 1931 - September 25, 2025

Willard J. Yoder, Sr. entered his eternal rest on September 25, 2025, at his home in Stone Valley, Huntingdon, PA.

Born on November 22, 1931, in Mill Creek, PA, he was the son of the late Elmer and Edith (Burkholder) Yoder and stepson of the late Catherine (Zook) Yoder. On March 23, 1957, he married Lois C. (Peachey) Yoder, who survives.

Surviving are: his children, Edie Hochstetler (Bruce) Wellman, IA; Lucy Brubaker (Ed) Telford, PA; Willard Yoder Jr. (Betsy) Huntingdon, PA; Phyllis Yoder (Mervin) Mifflintown, PA; Mary Ellen Hostetler (Merle) Goshen, IN; Joseph Yoder (Lisa)  Petersburg, PA; 14 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren, and siblings, Roland Yoder, Belleville, PA; Marie Allison (Bob) Allensville, PA; Ruby Yoder (Leonard) Belleville, PA; Rhoda Campbell (Jim) Belleville PA; and sister in law Becky (John K. Yoder), Belleville, PA.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Peter Yoder, Shirley Yoder Grace, John K. Yoder and a son Peter E. Yoder.

Farming was always a part of Willard’s life. At a young age, he helped his parents on rented farms in Mill Creek and Reedsville before moving to a farm in Stone Valley in 1945. He attended school in Reedsville at Cedar Hill and a year at Stone Valley High School. In 1951 he spent time as a Sea Going Cowboy delivering livestock to countries following WW II. He spent a winter in Florida working for the Gulf Coast Construction Co. When he and Lois were married in 1957, he took over the farm in Stone Valley where he lived and worked until he gradually retired from farming.

He faithfully attended Maple Grove Mennonite Church where Willard served in various capacities over the years, including usher and finance committee. Willard was involved in DHIA, Heifer Project, and MDS. He attended a course with Dale Carnegie. Willard enjoyed traveling, hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed wood working and was known for the many birdhouses and other wood projects that he made and gave away. He and Lois wintered in Florida for many years where they enjoyed the warm climate and making new friends. Willard prayed daily for his family, neighbors and friends and was a faithful follower of Jesus.

A viewing will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025 from 5 – 8 p.m. at Maple Grove Mennonite Church, 115 Maple Grove Road, Belleville.  The funeral service will be held at the same location on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 11 a.m. with Wesley King and Phoebe Quaynor officiating.  Burial will be held at the Locust Grove Cemetery in Belleville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Blessings of Hope, P.O. Box 567, Ephrata, PA 17522 or Mennonite Disaster Service at www.mds.org.

Arrangements are under the care of Henderson Funeral Home, 3813 West Main Street, Belleville.  Online condolences can be made at www.hendersonfuneralhomes.net.