Doris Louisa Zehr Yoder, (1926 - 2020) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. Ephesians 6:18

94 years old
Born on August 3, 1926 in Deer Creek, Illinois, United States
Passed away on October 18, 2020 in Eureka, Illinois, United States

This memorial website was created in loving memory of Doris Zehr Yoder, 94 years old, born on August 3, 1926 and passed away on October 18, 2020. Her tender love and care touched the lives of many. We, her family, dearly miss her already but know that she was ready for her next life. We would invite you to share any remembrances you have of her life and influence on this website.

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November 3, 2020

Desde niña, en Nicaragua , a través de Sue, miré fotos de su familia, de su madre con una hermosa sonrisa. Quiero enviar mi cariño y oraciones a toda la familia Yoder, por la partida de vuestra madre. Mis condolencias ; y mi admiración y respeto por Doris, por el gran ejemplo que ha dejado a su paso por la tierra. Un abrazo para Susan y su familia.

November 1, 2020

Susan and I became friends when she started her Junior year at Eureka High School, a new school for her. I was welcomed warmly in the Yoder home. That was over fifty years ago. Over the years Doris was a like a second mother. I will miss her wisdom, caring nature, and our times together. Doris was a woman of great faith. She made me a better person. Thank you my dear “mom.”

October 28, 2020

I just heard about Doris' passing and am so sorry. She was a good friend of my Aunt Helen Kennell and enjoyed visiting with her at Aunt Helen's home. Praying for you all

October 27, 2020

I knew Doris - and Bob - through our long friendship with Erik and Leanne's family, Josh and Allyson, and also Susan and Cecil, and Sonia. I appreciated Doris as a gentle loving woman who loved and delighted in her family. Mostly I know Doris through that family! A family who cherishes the connections with each other, Erik and Leanne who made Tucson their home - and all of the family whether close to the Illinois farm, in Tucson, or traveling the world, opened your arms to refugee and migrant friends, sharing hospitality and family. I am thinking of you all with love as you celebrate Doris, and as you miss her. God promises that she is Home.

October 26, 2020

To all my Yoder cousins,
Condolences to all. Even though Aunt Doris had a long and well lived life...it is still hard. Aunt Doris was helpful while visiting my Dad in his final days..she fed me and gave me a comforting haven during a difficult time.
I have fond memories of visiting the Yoder farm....mostly that big farm house, a lot of kids and good food.,
The end of a generation. Thinking of you all

October 24, 2020

Mike,Sue,Dan,and Erik I want to share my sympathy with all of you and rejoice with you in her going to be with her Savior and Lord whom she loved and served.
Bob and Doris and I were always good friends. I was older but they were married 5 years before Ruth and I were. They were some of our best friends. In their latter years they lived at Maple Lawn in a cottage. I was chaplain there and they always made me welcome in their home. Doris and Ruth became the best of friends in their older Years and spent a lot of days going places and doing things together. Several times Doris and Bob took Ruth and I on a long day trip, once to see the Covered Bridges in Indiana and another time to
Southern Illinois.

doris and

October 24, 2020

Whenever we visited Doris and Bob in Eureka, we enjoyed the welcoming and kind spirit of Doris and Bob. Doris embodied the atmosphere that we so loved.
Marc and Annarös

October 23, 2020

from Wilma Springer

I have alot of memories of your Mother. The following are some I treasure most.

I first knew Doris when she was hired to teach at my country school, Maple Lawn, which I attended. She was a very good teacher of all grades 1-8. Also, she had a great soprano voice and taught us many songs. We always had a great Christmas program. It wasn't just the parents that would attend, other neighbors, etc. The school house was packed for the program. If there would have been fire marshals in those days, they would have put a limit on the crowds. We would always get excited when Doris would say, "today we are going to practice for our Christmas Program". We all wanted to be chosen to pull the stage curtains back and forth.

Through the years of teaching, Doris met my Big Brother Bob. So the ROMANCE STARTED. I was the go between taking notes they wrote back and forth. Because I did this my Big Brother liked me now. He had given me some nick names like PEOW and BUCK THEETH. But since I became the COURIER some of that stopped.

After they were married, I always loved going to their house in Eureka for a meal. Back in those days there were no salad dressings to buy in the grocery stores. So Doris would cut up the lettuce and put mayonnaise on the salad. I thought that was so good and always hoped she would have that again when I was there.

Doris was chorister at the Roanoke Church. She would teach the congregation new songs and one of the favorite songs was " Lift your glad voices ". When she would say "turn to number 536" everyone was glad to hear that and would really sing.

She made two salads that I always liked. One was a salad with red raspberries in it and an orange sherbet salad. I wish I had the recipes for them.

One time when they lived at Mannie Schertz's house, she wasn't feeling good. So I told my Mother that if I played Chinese Checkers with her, that would make her feel better. So I took the Chinese Checkers board, marbles, etc to her and we played several games. I don't know if it made her feel better but I thought I was doing something to help her.

I have more memories but I thought you might want to hear some of them.

You all had a wonderful Mother that loved all of you very much. I know she is resting in peace in heaven now.

October 23, 2020

Dear Yoder Family, Please accept my sincere sympathy on the death of your mother. I did not know her well, but I was always aware of her and of your father as people who were committed to their faith and fiercely dedicated to the work for justice. Their legacy extends into the future through all of you. Thanks be to God.

October 22, 2020

From Don and Fay Etta Horst

It has been our privilege to have known Doris as a friend and as our daughter's mother-in-law for over 35 years. She will be lovingly remembered by us as a Godly woman who exemplified kindness, acceptance and encouragement.

October 21, 2020

Dear Family of Doris,
I offer each one of you my deepest sympathy as we mourn the loss of your dear mother. I had the privilege of getting to know Doris through my friendship at First Mennonite Church of Morton with her sweet sisters, Velma, Fannie, and Mary. Each of these women have had a profound impact upon my life, and I am grateful to God to have had the joy of knowing and loving them. When Doris was ready to retire from the Books Abroad and at Home program through WMSC, I was the one to take her place, and she provided wonderful guidance. We would see each other from time to time in Eureka, usually at the Et Cetera Shop, and she always greeted me with her warm smile! I know that your hearts must be aching, but we must rejoice that she is now in her forever home with Bob!
In Christ,
Julie

October 21, 2020

I want to extend my condolences to my Yoder cousins (Mike, Sue, Dan and Erik) for the loss of their mom, my Aunt Doris. I was fortunate to have two wonderful visits with Aunt Doris in recent years when she was at Maple Lawn.
Also, when I visited my Dad at Maple Lawn a few weeks before he passed, and spent a few days there, I had breakfasts with Uncle Bob and Aunt Doris at their nearby home.
Of course, my memories of Aunt Doris go way back to when I was a kid. Some of us Zehr kids would spend a few days , about a week I think at the Yoder farm, and of course Aunt Doris provided the meals and made sure we were comfortable and happy. Don't remember many details of those days, but there were sheep and tractors and farm stuff and of course baseball talk with Dan and Mike. Also Uncle Bob was a big baseball fan. And I remember how completely dark it was inside the tunnels in the hay barn.
Aunt Doris will be missed.

October 21, 2020

To the Yoder family,
We loved the time that we shared backyards with Bob & Doris in the big Yoder house. Doris was always so sweet & kind to our children, even if they came knocking on her door at 6 am for string for their kittens! And She always sent them home with a treat after a visit! It was like living next to a bonus set of grandparents. In later years, she was always so interested to hear what was going on out at the farm when we would meet her at the nursing home! We treasure our years together & our thankful for the privilege of knowing Doris! Our sympathy to your family, Mike & Dianne Schmidgall

October 20, 2020

Doris, Bob, Mike, Sue, Dan, and Eric will always be remembered as dear friends and neighbors. At church I remember Doris so vividly as she taught us how to sing as children and got us prepared to perform in front of the church. I enjoy music and singing because of her influence. People like Doris enrich others lives so much by their simple and dedicated ministries.

October 20, 2020

Doris led singing time before children’s Sunday School at Roanoke Mennonite Church. She taught us many songs from the “red book” and prepared us for combined children’s choir events. She was a passionate director and we loved singing together as a result. I am grateful to Doris for sharing her talent, time and energy with us. She made a huge impact on our musical and spiritual development! Doris and Bob were both important role models in my life.

October 20, 2020

To Doris’ Family: My deepest condolences on her passing, yet much happiness knowing she is in the arms of God now. I treasure my friendship with Doris over the past 8 years. She taught me much about love of God and of family, and giving God all the glory.
I am blessed to have her influence in my life and thank God for putting us together. Peace-

October 20, 2020

With your mother and my father being first cousins and we kids being of similar ages, it was natural that our families were often together during the Sutter family's years in Eureka. I have fond memories of both your parents.

My sisters and I send our love to you all at this tender time.

October 20, 2020

Dear Erik, Mike, Sue and Dan

Your family was/is always special to me - the place we ran to or rode our bikes to to play in the barn, the yard, the house and sometimes under the buckeye tree. Your mother was kind and gentle - a very safe person and your father was always interested in my latest adventure. We had so much fun playing in the pile of dirt at the church in between our houses. We camped together by the Mackinaw river. I remember your mother with pleasure and grieve with you now. Love to you four and your families. Laura Sue Dueck

October 20, 2020

Dear Yoder Family,
In the early 70's after Rose and I got married, on many Sundays we would often drive from Chicago metro to Eureka. We would spend time at Roanoke Mennonite Church and with the Imhoff family. Those days were when I first met Bob and Doris. Their warmth, wit and hospitality were delightful and welcoming to me and Rose.
From that beginning, we were forever blessed by Bob, Doris and their children...our generation kids!!
Doris was a blessing and a witness to Christ in her life.
We rejoice that she has arrived at her much anticipated heavenly home.
Love to all and God bless each of the members of Doris family!

October 20, 2020

The passing of Doris brings back many memories of two families, just about 3/4 of a mile apart across the corner, church, and field, as the crow flies, growing up together in the 1950's and 60's. Overnights, games, playing catch with Stan Musial (that was Dan, of course, and I was Ernie Banks), exploring and playing in the farm buildings. Churh on Sunday morning, Sunday evening and Wednesday night. We knew where we were and time seemed to stand still. I still know where I am, in large part, because of that foundational grounding. I am grateful. Doris, warm and happy trails!

October 19, 2020

My family lived in Eureka in the 60's. Doris & Bob were fast friends with my parents, Norman & Virginia Derstine. And so she was part of my life as well. She was kind....strong and gentle. I wish her a good journey to the other side. Much love to Mike, Sue, Dan & Erik and their families. Jerry Derstine

October 18, 2020

It was only yesterday that I talked to my mother by phone, with plans to talk again the following day. I guess God had other other ideas. I will not hold her to this world as she was ready be relieved of her earthly discomforts. But even in the trials of her final months she was thankful for the many blessings of her life, and for the love and stories of friends and family. I will be forever grateful for her undying love and devotion for the rest of my life. How could anyone be more privileged and blessed than to have a mother like her?!

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November 3, 2020

November 1, 2020

October 28, 2020

I just heard about Doris' passing and am so sorry. She was a good friend of my Aunt Helen Kennell and enjoyed visiting with her at Aunt Helen's home. Praying for you all

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Video clip from several years ago of Doris describing her favorite hymns

With long time family friends Tino and Rosa Moreno

90th birthday visit with her four children, summer 2016

This is the closest Doris every got to a glamour shot!

With Dan, Mike and Sue at the Allen Farm 1950's

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Her Life

Doris Louisa Zehr Yoder Obituary

October 19, 2020

Doris Yoder of Eureka transitioned peacefully and joyfully to her heavenly home Sunday morning October 18. Doris was born to Peter and Louisa (Sutter) Zehr on August 3, 1926 near Deer Creek, IL. She attended Newcastle and other country schools in the Deer Creek-Goodfield area, graduating from Deer Creek high school. She attended Goshen College and got a teaching certificate during WWII, teaching at Maple Lawn country school between Eureka and Roanoke, IL while still single. In addition to teaching the 3 R’s, she directed her grade 1-8 students in singing 3-part music, even cutting a record with them. One of her students introduced Doris to her brother, Robert A. (Bob) Yoder, of rural Eureka. Bob and Doris were married at the Morton First Mennonite Church in December of 1946. They enjoyed 67 years of life together, raising four children while farming in Roanoke and Metamora townships until retirement to a Maple Lawn Homes cottage in Eureka. Following Bob’s passing in 2014, she transitioned to assisted living at Maple Lawn, then nursing care at The Loft and then at the Apostolic Home of Eureka, where she passed away peacefully on Sunday. Due to COVID and travel concerns, there will be no local visitation or memorial service for Doris at this time. Rather, friends and family are encouraged to write and view remembrances by visiting tinyurl.com/dorisyoder. The family hopes to have a visitation and memorial service for her in the summer of 2021 at Roanoke Mennonite Church as was her wish.

In addition to the loss of her husband, parents and grandparents, Doris was predeceased by all of her three brothers, Orie (Alma) Zehr, Roy (Opal) Zehr, Milton (Helen) Zehr, and three sisters Velma, Fannie and Mary Zehr, all of whom remained single, and adult granddaughter Rebecca Yoder. She is survived by her four children: Michael (Carolyn) Yoder of Eureka; Susan (Cecil) Graber of Denver, CO; Daniel Yoder of Eureka, and Erik (Leanne) Yoder of Tucson, AZ; six grandchildren Sonia (Dan Chao) Graber of Denver, CO; Sarah (Scott) Skripsky of Santa Barbara, CA; Amanda and Robert E. Yoder of Eureka, Joshua (Ellie Schertz) Yoder and Allyson Yoder of Tucson, AZ; four great granddaughters, special friends Celestino and Rosa Moreno of Eureka and their family, Donna (Whitlow) Yoder, sister in law Wilma (Vic) Springer of Branson, MO, and many other nieces, nephews and a few cousins.

Doris devoted herself to her family. She was a lover of beautiful sacred and classical music, birds and flowers, and was also fully dedicated to serving her Savior and Lord Jesus. She taught Sunday school and Summer Bible school, and enjoyed leading seasonal children’s choirs and gave piano lessons. Through her influence most of her children came to share her love of music. She saw a need for a second-hand store in the Eureka area and was a co-founder of the Et Cetera Shop to raise money for Mennonite Central Committee's global relief and development efforts. She and Bob also had a strong interest in foreign and home missions and service and promoting international peace and understanding. Most of their children and grandchildren came to live and study abroad, mostly in Latin America. At mom’s suggestion, memorial contributions in her name can be made at any time to her favorite charities, Mennonite Central Committee (https://donate.mcc.org/) or Mennonite Mission Network (https://www.mennonitemission.net/donate), or to a charity of your choice. Special thanks to all health care and hospice personnel who assisted mom in her declining years and during COVID.

Learning Piano

October 25, 2020

As my Aunt Doris’s young niece (I’m her brother Milton’s oldest daughter), I loved my extended summer stays with my Yoder cousins at the farm in Eureka. I was the guest of my dear cousin Sue, of course, but Aunt Doris was the quiet presence that kept the house running, kept me fed, and made sure I felt at home. One of my favorite attractions in the Yoder household was the piano. Every year I visited, I resolved to learn to play the piano. I was sure I could learn because I was staying for such a long time—a whole week. When I told Aunt Doris I wanted to learn, she opened the piano bench and got out the beginner’s book. Then I worked diligently on the first 3 songs. Each summer when I came for a return visit, I would start again at the first song of the begonner’s book. I’m sure that one summer I made extraordinary progress and got as far as the fourth song. I am forever grateful to Aunt Doris for having the patience to listen to my playing and for allowing me my enthusiasm for learning

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