Ray Yoder

There are many who spend their days mindlessly pursuing the ever elusive American Dream in hopes of achieving great fame, fortune, and stature among their peers. Ray Yoder was one who never worried about capturing that which the world sees as success, but set his sights on the things of above. His unwavering faith was the cornerstone on which everything else was based and that fact was overwhelmingly clear by the way he lived his life each day. It was Ray’s faith that not only put the melody in his song, but also provided the shelter from the storms of life. Known also for his strong work ethic, his deep love for his family, and his unmatched integrity, Ray leaves a deeply embedded footprint that will withstand the test of time.

As our nation was deeply entrenched in the throes of WWII overseas, those back at home dealt with rationing on common goods such as coffee, sugar, and butter as well as many non-food items such as gasoline, kerosene, and paper and pens, too. Americans were encouraged to plant victory gardens in order to lessen the demands on the nation’s food supply as they kept the home fires burning anxiously awaiting the safe return of countless servicemen and women. Amidst this trying time, there was great cause for celebration in one young family in Wayne County, Ohio, as they were blessed with the birth of a healthy baby boy on December 28, 1942. Ray was welcomed into the world by his doting parents, Eli and Lucinda Yoder, and was the oldest of five children in his family including his sisters Esther, Mary Jane, Edna, and JoAnne. Ray was raised in a farming community where he learned the value of hard work at an early age. This strong work ethic would serve him well throughout his life and was his constant companion along his life’s journey. He attended local schools and graduated from high school near Wooster, Ohio.

Ready to build a life of his own, Ray secured employment at Reynolds Farm Equipment. He also married and was blessed with the births of two children, Ed and Denise, who brought him unending joy. He later began working as an automotive technician for Indy Tractor where he spent the remainder of his career. Although his marriage later ended in divorce, he was forever grateful for the children they shared together.

Those who knew Ray could clearly see that his faith was first and foremost in his life - and this is the greatest lesson he leaves behind. His favorite place on earth was his church, Victory Baptist Church, where he enjoyed the fellowship with his church family, the inspiring worship, and the various activities they offered. Ray was known as the “candy man” at church as he was notorious for giving the children there candy on a regular basis.

In everything he did, Ray’s strong moral convictions and timeless wisdom shined through. He lived each day on purpose with great fervor, ever conscience of

the One who gave him the gift of each new day. Ray expected everyone to give their best, but only because that was the expectation he had of himself, too, as he wholeheartedly applied himself to every task before him. He was also known to point out that God gives us two eyes, two ears, and one mouth and that they should be used according to that proportion.

Life would never be the same for Ray after meeting the woman who would prove to be his true soul mate. Her name was Joyce Brummett and after falling deeply in love, they married on Valentine’s Day in 1999. They had a great partnership, an enduring friendship, and a deep love that provides couples with much to aspire for.

As he neared the sunset of his life, Ray began suffering with some heart issues that eventually took their toll. He experienced a debilitating heart attack from which he was unable to recover and later drew his last breath.

Never a day went by that Ray Yoder didn’t thank the One who gave him each breath and strive to live a life that brought Him all the honor and glory. In everything he did Ray was tender, compassionate, and genuine in his thoughts, words, and deeds. He was friendly, outgoing, and always on the lookout for every opportunity to bless those around him in ways whether great or small. A man of great wisdom, Ray leaves behind a legacy of integrity, honesty, and selflessness that will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of those who loved him. A true gift in every sense of the word, Ray will be deeply missed by the many people whose lives he greatly enriched.

Ray Yoder died suddenly on February 9, 2011, in the emergency room at St. Francis Hospital, Mooresville. Ray’s family includes his wife, Joyce Brummett Yoder; children, Ed (Stephanie) Yoder of Mooresville and Denise (Ron) Payton of Decatur Twp.; parents, Lucinda and Eli Yoder of Wooster, Ohio; step-children, Robert Brummett of Indianapolis, George Brummett of Beech Grove, Cindy Shockley of Indianapolis, Catherine Brummett of Muncie, Teresa Hendrickson of Martinsville, and Elizabeth Green of Martinsville; sisters, Esther Hershberger of Navarre, Ohio, Mary Jane Troyer of Gladys, Virginia, Edna Stutzman of Millersburg, Ohio, and JoAnne Hochstettler of Sugar Creek, Ohio; 21 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren. Friends and family will gather on Saturday, February 12, 2011, 2 -6 p.m., in the Carlisle & Son Funeral Chapel, Mooresville. The funeral service will begin at 2 p.m., Sunday, February 13, 2011, in Victory Baptist Church, Camby. Pastor Tony York will officiate. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to Victory Baptist Church, P.O. Box 185, Camby, IN 46113.