Debbie Yoder

Debbie Block Yoder, age 58, of Nashville passed away peacefully Tuesday April 1, 2025. Debbie was born in St. Petersburg, Florida and moved to Sugarcreek in her childhood where she attended Garaway High School and graduated in 1984. Debbie married Owen Yoder in 1985 and they started their life together in Holmes County. Debbie worked at the grocery bag for many years and was a 20 year employee of Pomerene Hospital where she worked as an aide. This was a perfect setting for Debbie to exercise her natural gift as a caretaker.
Debbie was a devoted mother to her three oldest sons, Aaron, Ryan, and Bronson. Debbie's generous heart and passion for children in need led her and Owen to foster dozens of children through Holmes County Job and Family Services. In addition to the many children they fostered, Owen and Debbie permanently added Jessie, Hailey, and Cameron to their family. Debbie was overjoyed to become a grandmother and loved spending time with Hayden, Kendall, and Cole and was eagerly anticipating the arrival of a new grandson in August.
Debbie enjoyed a quiet life and loved spending time with her family. She particularly enjoyed the trips they took with her sister and her family to visit their beloved father and his wife at their home in the Bahamas. Debbie often referred to this time as her "happy place" and she loved reading on the beach, enjoying the peace of the ocean, and watching her children and grandchildren fish, swim, and paddleboard.
At home, Debbie made it a priority to create a beautiful life for her family. She was happiest when her big kitchen island was filled with those she loved enjoying time together. Christmas was a special time of year for her and she cherished hanging keepsake ornaments from her kids childhood, planning holiday meals, and putting together the annual saran wrap ball full of gifts for her adult children to enjoy opening.
Debbie was the first to lend a hand to anyone in need and was generous beyond measure. Anyone who was blessed to know her will surely remember her compassionate heart.
Debbie is survived by her husband of 39 years, Owen Yoder; her sons Aaron (Angela) Yoder of Canton, Ryan (Hollie) Yoder of Glenmont, Bronson (Rose) Yoder of Columbus, Jessie Rice of Clark, and children Hailey Yoder and Cameron Badger of the home. Debbie leaves behind three grandchildren: Hayden, Kendall, and Cole. Debbie was particularly close to her sister, Kristy (John) O'Rourke, and her children Jack and Kallahan of Sophia, North Carolina. Also surviving is Debbie's mother, Janice Block of Walnut Creek and stepmother, Nancy Block of Ft. Lauderdale. Debbie was preceded in death last summer by her father, Joe Block.
Funeral Arrangements:
A gathering of friends and family will be held Sunday, April 6th at Alexander's Funeral Home from 4-6 pm.
Memorial Contributions:
To be made to Kidz Club of Killbuck. Please make checks to Fusion Community Church with a memo to Kidz Club and send to PO Box 110, Millersburg Ohio 44654.
To send flowers
to the family, please visit our floral store.