Thelma Jean Yoder, 85, of Bellefontaine, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2016, at her home.
She was born in Champaign County on May 20, 1931, to the late James and Ora Bishop Ward. She married James “Bill” Yoder on May 19, 1951, in Richmond, Ind., and he preceded her in death April 6, 1983. She was also preceded in death by siblings, Paul Ward, Calvin Ward, Norma Ward Nicholas Ward, Roland Ward and Dorothy Ward Seigenthaler.
A 1949 graduate of Westville High School, she loved gardening, canning, sewing, cooking and her dog Gizmo. Always a hard-worker, Jean retired as an assembler in the breaker department from Siemens/ITE Bellefontaine after 40+ years of work. She previously attended Monroe Community Church.
Jean is survived by her children, Jane (Dane) Taylor and Tim (Marcy) Yoder, both of Bellefontaine, and Michaela “Mic” (Jeff) Gorham of Huntsville; five grandchildren, Michael Knox, Amanda (Gary Davis) Moist, Doug (Amber) Moist, T.J. (Courtney) Yoder and Chris (Kelli) Yoder; nine great-grandchildren, Taylor Knox, Addison and Makenzie Moist, Stagger Lee and Walker Gordon Davis and Hayden, Vannah, Karsyn and Cole Yoder; a brother, Roger (Dee) Ward of Westville; her loving sister with whom she lived, Sandy “Pink” Ward of Bellefontaine; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A private family burial takes place in Yoder Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to charities of the donors’ choices.
Funeral arrangements are handled by the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Bellefontaine.
Express condolences at www.edsfh.com