Sheldon Lynn Yoder

Sheldon L. Yoder, age 84, of Avon, Ohio passed away Saturday, January 10, 2026. He was born March 10, 1941 in Washington County, Iowa to parents Jonas Yoder and Mary Zook.

Shelly grew up in Kalona, Iowa, where he attended a one-room schoolhouse for his primary education. He and younger brother Harlan were raised by their grandparents on their farm raising pigs and corn, learning from an early age the value of a hard day's work. Shelly went on to graduate from Kalona High School, then earned his Bachelor of Science at Eastern Mennonite College in Virginia, and a Master of Education from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Shelly taught high school science in biology and chemistry for 19 years at Pennridge High School in Perkasie, Pennsylvania. Later he taught computer technology for various local businesses as well as having his own computer businesses. He also met Doris Hockman through church activities in Blooming Glen, PA and their budding romance resulted in a beautiful outdoor wedding on August 20, 1977.

Shelly and Doris spent many years traveling and doing various ministry volunteer work, settling briefly in various areas of the world while always showing God's love to others. From Quakertown, PA to Hawaii at the University of the Nations/YWAM, then down to Australia with stops in Brisbine, Darwin, Perth, Sydney, and Tasmania, a visit to Papua New Guinea, and then to Florida and Virginia before finally settling in Avon for the last fifteen years to be closer to family. Shelly was a forever student, always itching to learn and try something new throughout his life. He found himself learning to fly small aircraft, building two log homes from the ground up in Pennsylvania and Virginia, becoming an amateur photographer with great skill, keeping up with the latest technology, and listening to podcasts whenever possible. But mostly, he wanted to serve others; and if he found adventure along the way, that made the journey even sweeter.

Sheldon is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years Doris Yoder; loving daughters Tina Ridgeway (Mark, dec.), April Yoder, and Kimberly Snyder (David); cherished grandchildren Christiana Ridgeway, Chris Ridgeway (Donna), Andrew Ridgeway (Michelle), Nicole Snyder, and Elliana Snyder; and dear great-grandchildren Breanna, Colin, and Corbin. In addition to his parents, Shelly was preceded in death by his brother Harlan Yoder; and grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Ed Zook.

Memorial contributions in Shelly's honor are suggested to Journey Church, or LIFE: A Dementia Friendly Foundation, Memory Café, or International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.

Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 2:00pm at Journey Church, Avon Campus, 995 Center Rd, Avon, OH 44011. For those who wish to attend remotely, this streaming link (click here) will be available beginning at 1:45pm on Saturday, January 17, 2026 (provided by the church 440-331-7700). www.buschcares.com 440-933-3202