Reuben Yoder

REUBEN A. YODER, 71, of Arthur, IL died at 10:15 PM Friday, March 5, 2010 at Gowin Parc in Mattoon, IL.

Visitation was from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at the Arthur Mennonite Church, 710 East Park in Arthur, IL. Services to celebrate Reuben’s life were held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at the Arthur Mennonite Church. Pastor Glen Rhodes officiated. Burial was held in the Keller Cemetery in Lovington, IL. The Edwards Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

Reuben was born March 12, 1938, the son of Abe D. and Amanda (Helmuth) Yoder. He married Janice (Belton) Canull on October 24, 1992. Reuben was a farmer,an electrician for C and Y construction, and the owner of Reuben’s Mechanical Contractors until he retired in May of 2000. Reuben deeply loved his daughter, Melanie and his son, Kevin and his grandchildren Reese and Cash. He also loved his step-daughters and their families.

He is survived by his wife Janice of Arthur, daughter Melanie Welch and her husband Beau, and grandchildren Reese and Cash of Austin, TX. His step-daughters Michelle Nelson and husband Wayne of Monticello, Robin Canull-Fonner of Atwood, Jana DeLong and husband Brian of Atwood. His step grandchildren Mara and Amanda Flenniken, Kierra Fonner and daughter Kali, Karisa Fonner and son Joey, Kaley and Klayton Fonner, Blake and Paige DeLong, and Austin Nelson. Brothers Ervin (Bernadine) Yoder of Arthur, Lester (Florene) Yoder of Goshen, Indiana, sisters Arlene (Milton) Yoder of Arcola, Elminia (John) Yoder of Drakesville, Iowa. Sister-in-law Doris McDonald of Mattoon. He is also survived by the mother of his children Carolyn (Nicoson) Hodge and her husband Jim of Lenexa, Kansas and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son Kevin, his parents, his brothers Kenneth and Clarence, his sisters Mary Alice and Carrie.

Reuben was a member of the Arthur Mennonite Church. He was a past member for many years of the Arthur Lions Club and a past president. Reuben loved the outdoors and was very proud of his yard and his flowers.
The family would like to thank all of the employees of Gowin Parc Memory Community in Mattoon, Illinois for the wonderful care and love that they provided for Reuben and the family. Thank you to Jason and Theresa Gowin for all their love and support.
We, also, would like to thank Carle Hospice for the care of Reuben in his final days. A special thank you to Carolyn and Jim Hodge, and Melanie Welch for granting Reuben’s only wish.

Memorials were made to the Arthur Mennonite Church or to Gowin Parc Alzheimer’s Library.