Jane Whitby Yoder

1925 - 2016

Jane Whitby Yoder

Naples, FL

Jane Frances Whitby Yoder, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died on April 22, 2016 after a long and fulfilling life. Holding on strongly to her memory are her husband of nearly 69 years, Richard Yoder, of Naples, Florida; five children (Susan Sterling, Stephen Yoder, Jane Ann Gettler, Caroline Blackman, and Richard Yoder, Jr.) and their spouses; eleven grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. Jane's parents were William Franklin Whitby and Frances Caroline McMahon Whitby. She had one brother, William Franklin Whitby, Jr. In her honor, one daughter is named Jane and three granddaughters and two great-granddaughters have the middle name Jane. Jane was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Penn State University in 1947 with honors. She and Dick met at Penn State and were married in August 1947 shortly after their graduation. They moved twelve times in their years of marriage, raising five children, and lived the last 25 years in Naples, Florida. Jane majored in dietetics in college and was an elementary school nutrition director while her first three children were at home. She had a passion for good nutrition throughout her life. With the last two children still at home, Jane embarked on a career teaching math at Tower Hill School in Wilmington, Delaware. While at Tower Hill Jane was also was instrumental in developing the computer education program for elementary school students. After retirement she developed and maintained the website of the daycare center where her daughter Caroline is the director. Jane was an avid bridge player throughout her life and earned the title of Silver Life Master. She also loved to read, with a passion for the classics, and enjoyed spending time at her local public library. Jane was a life-long learner who had great conviction in what she did and believed in. From her strong commitment to healthy eating, to becoming an expert bridge player, to teaching herself computer programming and website development, Jane was always at the forefront. Loved ones and friends of Jane knew she did everything with a great spirit of inquisitiveness, care, and humility. Friends will be received in Naples May 14th at 2pm at the Rainbow Room at Bentley Village. The family requests that any memorial contributions be made to your local public library.