Yoder, Mary Elizabeth Kenagy (1877-1957)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Jan 31 p. 8

Birth date: 1877 Jun 20

text of obituary:

MRS. MARY E. YODER

Mary Elizabeth (Kenagy) Yoder, youngest child of Joshua and Martha Kenagy, was born near Topeka, Ind. June 20, 1877, and passed away at her home near Garden City, Mo. Jan 5, 1957, aged 79 years, six months and 16 days. She was the last of a family of six children.

Her parents both passed away within a year when she was only 12 years old. She made her home with a sister, Mrs. Simon R. Yoder, and moved with them from Indiana to Missouri about 1898.

On Dec. 31, 1899, she was united in marriage to John B. Yoder of Garden City. To this union were born four children, Forrest G. of Eureka, Ill., Frances E., Wife of Dr. Emery J. Miller, and Lela F. of Nampa, Idaho, and Walter L. of Garden City, Mo.

On Dec 13, 1949, they observed their golden wedding anniversary, with all the children and grandchildren present.

At an early age she united with the Mennonite church and was a faithful member until her death, never being absent from services if health permitted.

She was preceded in death by her companion on Aug. 13, 1951, and by an infant grandson. She is survived by her four children, nine grandchildren, six nephews and nieces, and a host of friends. She was a devoted and loving mother, and deeply concerned for the spiritual welfare of her family.

She had been in failing health the last six months, but through all her sickness was patient and cheerful, and expressed a desire to join her loved ones in that heavenly home.

"To know Sister Yoder was to love her. She lived her life a day at a time, and to its very fullest. Regardless of her own pains, she was continually thinking of ways to cheer others. Her life was an inspiration and benediction to all who knew her." — E. M.