Shirley Yoder

Shirley Jane Yoder died Wed. April 5th at the age of 80 years and 5 months. She was born on Nov. 5, 1936 in Allentown, PA as the fifth child of Charles and Margaret (Reichenbach) Fillman. Shirley was married to David D. Yoder on November 5, 1955. They reared three sons, Jonathan David Yoder, wife Nancy Tyler, Jeffrey Dean Yoder, wife Julie Marie Gehman, and Jon Dwight Yoder, wife Julie Marie Esh. She was grandmother to nine grandchildren, Tessa Alise Yoder, Mikayla Paige Yoder, Emily Marie Yoder, Joshua Dalton Yoder, Kate Marie Yoder, Rachael Marie Yoder, Megan Elizabeth Yoder, Zachary David Yoder, and Katelyn Anne Yoder. Some of her favorite readings were: "Don't be afraid, my love is stronger than your fear, and I promised to always be near," "God wants to paint your life with joy," "When your world seems to be falling apart, look to Jesus who holds everything together," "Joy is the peace of God dancing in our hearts regardless of our circumstances," "Faith is like a tender plant, rooted in Christ alone, watered by the Spirit and the Word, strengthened by the winds of adversity and the sunshine of blessings." Shirley attended Eastern Mennonite College for two years and spent one year in Costa Rica in language school. She served with her husband and their family in Mexico as missionaries for ten years. After returning from Mexico, she worked at Eastern Mennonite High School as administrative assistant for 29½ years. She and her family attended Park View Mennonite Church in Harrisonburg, VA. After retiring, she and her husband moved to Pennsylvania where they attended Roedersville Mennonite Church, and she served part-time at Quakertown Christian School for nearly nine years. Since February, 2016, she and David lived at Souderton Mennonite Homes where care was provided until the end of her life. Shirley appreciated her siblings, Kenneth Fillman, Richard Fillman, Pauline Fillman Wanner, and Florence Fillman Semmel who all preceded her in death. Special gratitude is extended to her niece Linda Fillman Lenhart whose love and frequent visits sustained and encouraged Shirley in her later years. Friends and family may call from 5:30-7:30 PM Thursday, April 13th at Souderton Mennonite Home, 207 W Summit St., Souderton. An additional visitation will be held from 11:00-12:00 Friday, April 14th at Swamp Mennonite Church, 2125 Rosedale Rd., Quakertown, followed by a memorial service at 12:00 PM. Burial will be private at Swamp Mennonite Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Eastern Mennnonite School, Shirley J. Yoder Financial Aid Endowment, 901 Parkwood Dr., Harrisonburg, VA 22802.