Yoder, Malinda (1892-1959)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1959 Apr 2 p. 6

Birth date: 1892

text of obituary:

PIONEER AMISH SETTLER, INVALID SINCE YOUTH, DIES AT THOMAS, OKLA.

Thomas, Okla. — Malinda Yoder, 67, pioneer settler in the Amish community here who had been confined to a wheel chair for about 60 years, died unexpectedly March 19 in her small house near the Dave Miller residence.

She was widely known throughout the Amish brotherhood, and friends from a number of states attended the funeral services, held Sunday afternoon, March 22. Bishop Dave A. Bontrager and Min. Clarence Wengard of Middlebury, Ind., and Wm. Wagler of Partridge, Kan. officiated.

Miss Yoder came to this region with her parents from Jasper County, Neb. in 1898, making the trip in a covered wagon. Her father was an Amish minister. Several years later, at the age of 8, she was stricken with polio.

Confined to a wheel chair since then, she was known for her uncomplaining, cheerful spirit and her strong faith. She attended church services quite regularly, traveling in her own buggy. She kept busy with various kinds of handwork, selling many of the items to Amish here and in other parts of the country.