Patricia Yoder

1956 - 2025

Patricia Yoder
Patricia Ann (Shetler) Yoder, a beloved mother, precious grandmother, and faithful friend passed away on June 2nd, 2025, after a two year battle with pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by her children and daughter-in-law as she passed peacefully in her home along the shoreline of Lake Huron. She was born on January 27, 1956, in Pigeon, Michigan to Leland and Wilma (Troyer) Shetler. She grew up on Bay Port Road and graduated from Laker High School in 1974. She attended Eastern Mennonite College in Harrisonburg, Virginia and later completed her nursing degree at St. Clair Community College. She cared faithfully for others in various nursing roles at Scheurer Hospital, Bay Medical Center, and Laker Elementary School over her career. On November 3, 1979, she married Merlin Yoder, also from Bay Port. Together, they worked to develop a deep love for the Lord, His church, and His people. They built a successful farm, planted many gardens and trees, biked thousands of miles, and shared countless laughs. Together they helped plant the Community Bookstore in Pigeon, launched a local chapter of the Foods Resource Bank, and volunteered in numerous capacities both in Huron County and abroad. Pat was a faithful and involved member at Pigeon River Mennonite Church, while also enjoying worship with her brothers and sisters in Christ at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Mercy Hill Church in Port Austin, Michigan. Patty played guitar and loved music. She enjoyed praising the Lord through song, even in her final days. In the years after Merlin's passing, Pat pursued others in caring and intentional ways, often pointing them to books and passages of scripture to comfort them in their grief. In her retirement, the squares of her calendar were filled with her grandkids' sporting events, extended stays in Virginia, and creating crafts with her grandkids. She practiced hospitality well by hosting friends at the lake where she loved soaking in the wind, waves, and sunshine. Pat ran her race well and has pointed many to Christ along the way. To God be the Glory! Pat is survived by her children, Shari Craig of Pigeon and Michael and Grace (Shickel) Yoder of Harrisonburg, Virginia; grandchildren, Brayden, Maelin, Regan, Mason, Louisa, and Willa; her mother, Wilma Shetler of Pigeon; three brothers, Randy Shetler of Port Austin, Marion (Marlene) Shetler of Pigeon, Ken (Edie) Shetler of Harlan, Iowa; and a sister, Beth (Ben) Maust of Bay Port. She was preceded in death by her husband, Merlin; father, Leland Shetler; father and mother-in-law, Luke and Cora Yoder; and brother Gordon Shetler.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, June 6, 2025, at Pigeon River Mennonite Church, 7120 Geiger Road, Pigeon, MI. The family will receive friends at the church on Thursday, June 5th, from 2 to 7 p.m.; and on Friday, June 6th, from 10 a.m., until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to some organizations and ministries that Pat supported and was blessed by over the years: Pigeon River Mennonite Church, American Cancer Society, Growing Hope Globally, Rosedale International, Mercy Hill Church (Pt. Austin) building fund, Covenant Presbyterian (Harrisonburg, Va.) building fund, or Redeemer Classical School (Keezletown, Va.) Final arrangements have been entrusted to Champagne Funeral Chapel. Friends may share memories, thoughts, and prayers online at www.ChampagneFuneralChapel.com.