1930-2026
Hilda J. Yoder, 95, of West Liberty, passed away Friday, April 10, 2026, at Mary Rutan Hospital in Bellefontaine. She was born in Champaign County, Ohio, on May 29, 1930, to the late Daniel and Ruth (Baumgartner) Lehman.
On May 1, 1960, Hilda married Wilfred “Willy” Yoder, and he preceded her in death on September 8, 2019.
Hilda is survived by her daughters, Arnita Yoder of Delphos, Ohio, and Melinda Yoder of West Liberty; brother, Joel (Donna) Lehman of West Liberty; sisters, Ann Lehman of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Phyllis (Don) Jaquet of Dalton, Ohio; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents and husband, Hilda was preceded in death by a sister, Mary K. Yoder; brother, Daniel Ernest Lehman; sister-in-law, Shirley Lehman; and brother-in-law, J. Sam Yoder.
Hilda graduated from West Liberty High School in 1948. When she was in her late teens and twenties, she helped raise her younger brothers and sisters after her mother's sudden passing in 1949. She then worked as a meat cutter at Esch's Meats and later as a telephone operator before West Liberty converted to dial. After her daughters were grown, she helped Wilfred with his business, Yoder Aluminum Products. Hilda was a member of Bethel Mennonite Church in West Liberty. She spent much time crocheting and reading, and in her later years, she enjoyed word search puzzles and spending time with her daughters.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, aides, and staff at Mary Rutan Hospital for the care they gave Hilda in her final days.
Pastor Rebecca Kauffman will officiate a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Bethel Mennonite Church, 416 Washington Street, West Liberty. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Thursday, April 16th, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the church. A private family burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in West Liberty.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Mennonite Church, 416 Washington Street, West Liberty, Ohio 43357, or the West Liberty Fire Department, 201 N. Detroit Street, West Liberty, Ohio 43357.
EICHHOLTZ & DARING FUNERAL HOME, WEST LIBERTY, is honored to serve the Yoder family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at eichholtzdaring.com.
