Phyllis Ailene Yoder was born June 28, 1941, in Leonard, Missouri, the daughter of Ralph and Verna (Miller) Detwiler. Phyllis grew up in Missouri until her freshman year of high school when they moved to Wellman, Iowa. She attended and graduated from Iowa Mennonite School.
On July 2, 1960, Phyllis was united in marriage to Eldon Ray Yoder. Phyllis and her husband lived a life of ministry. She spent 37 years in Ecuador. This included teaching indigenous women to sew, hosting Bible studies in her home in Quito and coordinating an annual retreat for women from across Ecuador. Her final years in Ecuador were spent in camp ministry. After returning to the United States, she became actively involved in Bible Study Fellowship. She loved this ministry and served actively in various rolls for over 20 years. Her heart of service was always focused on reaching women and their families wherever she served. She was a member of the Prairie Flower Baptist Church. Phyllis loved her family and was a wonderful host. She took great joy in extending hospitality to those she served.
Phyllis passed away Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, at her home in Wellman surrounded by her family.
Phyllis is survived by her husband: Eldon; two children: Tony Yoder (Terri) and Sherry Crow (Randy); two brothers: Glenford Detwiler (Pat) and Don Detwiler (Tracy); two sisters: Belle Duerksen (Lou) and Luann Goertzen (Harlen); six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother: Sheldon Detwiler.
A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Prairie Flower Baptist Church rural Washington. A graveside service will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at West Union Cemetery rural Wellman. Visitation will be Friday, Nove. 29, 2024, from 4-7 p.m., at Prairie Flower Baptist Church. Memorial funds have been established for Hospice of Washington County and Bible study fellowship. Messages and tributes may be sent to the family at www.powellfuneralhomes.com. Yoder-Powell Funeral Home is caring for Phyllis and her family.
