Marie W. Yoder

Marie W. Yoder, 91, of Bluffton passed away at 3:30 p.m. Monday, May 14, 2012 at River Terrace Estates. It was on a very cold Dec. 7, 1920 that Andrew and Oline (Aasen) Walsvick welcomed a new baby girl into their lives. The family lived in Grand Forks, N.D. Marie Adella Walsvick was born at home with the assistance of a mid-wife. Curiously, when baby Marie’s birth certificate was recorded it was mistakenly listed as Margaret, not Marie, a mistake that was not discovered until many years later. Marie’s father was from the fjord region of Norway. He had come earlier to the United State, married and had a young daughter, Signe. But his wife died, so he returned to Norway for a visit and then came back to America with Oline, his new wife, together, they had a son, John, and then little Marie. She grew up in Grand Forks where she was confirmed and became a member of the United Lutheran Church. After graduating from Central High School in 1938 she went to the University of North Dakota where she earned a degree in Foods and Nutrition. Then, the lovely young graduate was off to an internship in the dietetics department of Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. It just so happened that also interning there was a handsome young medical doctor, Dr. Richard P. Yoder. The two met one day while waiting for an elevator at the hospital and were married less than a year later in Cincinnati, on June 24, 1944. Dr. Yoder soon left to begin his official medical duties on Aug. 1, 1944 at the Caylor-Nickel Clinic. Marie soon finished her internship and joined him in Bluffton in September. They first moved into Dr. Eisaman’s home but within a month moved into an upstairs apartment on West Central Avenue that was quite old fashioned and in need of remodeling. While Dick worked at the clinic and hospital, Marie’s daily regimen included arranging for ice in the icebox (she had to remember to put the ice sign in the window), cleaning the persistent coal dust, and carrying hot water from the bathtub to the kitchen. But she had a trusty Maytag washer to keep everyone looking spiffy. Their first son, Richard (Rick) was born in May, 1946. Marie added to her duties the task of preventing the curious tot from falling down the stairs from their second-floor apartment. In August, 1948, the family moved into their newly-built home. It was one of the hottest Augusts on record and Marie was overdue for their second child. Daughter Carol Marie was born August 28 and the family also welcomed their black cocker spaniel, Spooky, to their new home at 931 S. Wayne St. Caryn Lynn Yoder rounded out the family on May 10, 1956. Marie was busy raising her family as well as being very active in her church, the First United Methodist. She was president of the women’s group, helped with Vacation Bible School and served as camp cook at Epworth Forest. She was also active in the Foltz Club and the Alpha Eta chapter of Psi Iota Xi. The family purchased an Airstream travel trailer and began their lifelong enjoyment of traveling and camping. The Yoder clan would come to own an Airstream trailer from 1959 until about 2005. Marie would prepare for the sojourns by creating the world’s best potato salad, jello salad, and anything else that could be kept in the trailer’s refrigerator. Traveling was an important part of life for Dick and Marie. When Caryn toured Europe with the “Sounds of Hope” from Manchester College, Dick and Marie chaperoned. When Carol Marie’s family toured Israel, Dick and Marie joined them. They spent their later winter months at Travelers’ Rest near Dade City, Fla. They enjoyed square and round dancing, as well as golf. The couple spent their final years at River Terrace Estates with their dog, Bambi. Dr. Yoder preceded Marie in death on December 23, 2010. Survivors include a son, Richard P. “Rick” (Carol) Yoder of Bluffton; two daughters, Carol (Glenn) McGuire of Richmond and Caryn (David) Purdy of Denver, N.C.; seven grandchildren, Andrew (Christy) Yoder of Crown Point, Cameron (Mike) Lain of Brownsburg, Scott (Stephanie) Felix of Avon, Ryan Purdy, Susan Purdy, Christa Purdy and Marc Purdy, all of Denver, N.C.; and six great-grandchildren. Calling hours are 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Thoma/Rich, Chaney & Lemler Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Friday at the church. Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. Friday at the First United Methodist Church with Pastor Greg Rittenhouse and Pastor Glenn McGuire officiating. Burial will be in Elm Grove Cemetery. Preferred memorials are to the church. Online condolences may be made at www.thomarich.com.

Marie W. Yoder

December 7, 1920 - May 14, 2012