LaDonna V. Yoder

LaDonna Viola (Smith) Yoder, 88, of Rockford, OH passed away Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Ohio Health Van Wert in Van Wert, OH. She was born on October 16, 1937 in Bedford, and was the daughter of the late Claire and Bertha (Foor) Smith.

LaDonna was a self-taught cake decorator, lending her talents to various area grocery stores and businesses. She was a member of New Horizons Community Church in Rockford, OH. LaDonna enjoyed gardening, reading, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a fan of all sports, especially the Pittsburgh Steelers and The Ohio State Buckeyes.

Surviving are two children: Steven (Denise Kreischer) Sell of Decatur, IN, and Rona Long of Celina, OH; her brother, Roger Smith of Bedford, sister, Sandy (Robert) Clark of Altoona; brother-in-law, Jim Oravec of Everett; sister-in-law, Sara Smith of Bedford; six grandchildren: Josh (Keri) Salway, Jake (Amy) Long, Andy (Amber) Long, Zachary (Terra) Sell, Dillon (Alicia) Long, and Brandon Sell; 17 great-grandchildren: Jordan (Brittney) Arnold, Dylan (Desiree) Arnold, Sophia Salway, Everett Salway, Karigan Lichtenstiger, Ainsley Long, Braylin Long, Easton Salway, Elliot Salway, Liam Long, Blake Morsey, Kolten Long, Palmer Long, Lily Long, and Emmitt Salway; four great-great-grandchildren: Clementine, Lainey, Jensen, and a baby on the way; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, LaDonna was preceded in death by her sisters: Judy Smith and Velma “Hobby” Oravec; and her brother, Norman Smith.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026 at 2 p.m. in the Chapel at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford with Pastor David Howe officiating. Burial at Bedford County Memorial Park. Friends will be received on Friday from 12 p.m. until the hour of service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in LaDonna’s memory may be given to the Lupus Foundation of America, 2121 K Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20037. Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.