On Aug. 22, 2015 Grace T. Yoder left us to be with her savior, Jesus Christ and to join her husband, Rod Yoder, who departed this life on June 5, 2015.
Grace’s life was one of faithful love and unselfish service to others; married to the one love of her life for 58 years, Rod Yoder, she tirelessly raised three children: Natalie, Daniel and John. Grace was a giver and her surviving family carries with them the hope, love and all the rich blessings she deposited so generously into their lives.
Grace Yoder was born Sept. 3, 1938 in Browning, Mont. to Henry and Mildred Harris. Her family included brother, Fred; sisters, Fran and Gladys. Gracie attended Roosevelt High School in Seattle, Wash. She and Rod were married June 15, 1957 in the University Methodist Temple in Seattle. Gracie and Rod moved to Finley, Wash. in 1974 when Rod became employed at the Hanford nuclear site.
Gracie’s talents and interests were woven into a beautiful tapestry that was her daily life. Her love of music prompted her to not only listen, but she faithfully played the piano during her membership with the Finley Baptist Church. Her home was often filled with the sound of her practicing piano and playing a diverse selection of music styles. Her love of nature and appreciation of her Cherokee heritage was often portrayed in the sketches and paintings she completed. Gracie desired to help others and studied to be a nurse and received her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certificate at Columbia Basin Community College. Gracie served briefly in Hospice care at The Chaplaincy. During the early years of her marriage, Grace helped women, who were being released from prison, to transition back into society, attempting to impart her love of life into their fresh beginnings. Her life of giving to others revolved around her family, the many friendships she cultivated at church and extended to those in need that came her way.
Grace Yoder is survived by her children, Natalie Hieb (Jeff), Dan Yoder (Linda), John Yoder (fiancee Tina); sister, Gladys Cardiff, grandchildren, Stephen (Chantal) Hieb, Benjamin Hieb, Curtis Hieb, Kristen Yoder, Nathan Yoder, Chelsea Street, Erik Yoder and Nick Yoder; great-grandchild, Benjamin Sanchez, and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Grace’s life was held at Hillspring Church in Richland, Wash. on Friday, Aug. 28. The graveside service followed at Desert Lawn Memorial Park on 10th and Union in Kennewick, Wash.
If desired, memorial donations may be made in Grace’s name to Hospice at The
Chaplaincy, 1480 Fowler St, Richland, WA 99352.