Fern I. Yoder

Fern I. (Hawkins) Yoder Battle Creek Fern I. (Hawkins) Yoder, 89, of Battle Creek, formerly of Dowling, went home to the Lord peacefully in her sleep on Monday, May 25, 2009. She was born June 30, 1919, in Vermontville, MI to Joseph and Grace Hawkins. She married Ralph E. Yoder Sr. on June 3, 1942. He preceded her in death in 1984. She was also preceded in death by her daughter Mary Keeley, son Robert Yoder, brother Victor Hawkins, sister Violet Cox and many dear friends. Fern is survived by her children, Rebecca (Ken) Walenga of Richland, Janet Eckelbecker of Battle Creek, Ralph Yoder Jr. of Cambridge, MA, Barb (Marc) Coppins of Battle Creek, 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Fern was the longest standing member of First Wesleyan Church (approx. 65 years), where she volunteered in the nursery for many years. She also worked many years with her husband, Ralph, on the Yoder farm in Dowling. She was a loving wife and mother. Fern loved attending church, praying, visiting with friends and family, doing word search puzzles, and playing games. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 28 at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. Funeral service and celebration of her life will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 29 at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home with Pastor Robert Zuhl officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Vermontville. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, can be made to the First Wesleyan Church Building Fund or Helping Hands Fund, 14425 S. Helmer Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49015.