Mary Lou Yoder

Mary Lou Yoder was born February 7, 1939 in Culp, AR, the daughter of Walter and Alice (Seawright) Freeman.  She graduated from Iowa Mennonite School (now Hillcrest Academy) in 1956.  On September 1, 1957 Mary was united in marriage to Arlin Yoder.  Arlin and Mary Lou served as missionaries in Brazil for 17 years. She enjoyed her continued connections with her friends she met during her time in Brazil.  Mary Lou was an Insurance Agent for Bankers Life until retiring in 2004.  She was a member of the West Union Mennonite Church. She enjoyed quilting and spending time with her family.

Mary Lou passed away Sunday, April 21, 2024 at Colonial Manor of Amana at the age of 85.

She is survived by two sons: Douglas (Leann), Claremore, OK, and Kevin (Rebecca), Hills IA, as well as by five grandchildren, Christina (Stephen) Arruda, Laura (Chris) Paul, Nathan (Katherine) Yoder, Leah (Jon) Arnold, Zach (Rachel) Yoder; 16 great grandchildren, with another on the way; a brother  Claude ( AnnaMae) Freeman and a sister Ruth Franklin. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three sisters, three brothers and three great grandsons Simon, Noah, and Henry.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the West Union Mennonite Cemetery near Wellman.  Yoder-Powell Funeral Home in Kalona is caring for Mary Lou and her family.  Messages and tributes may be directed to www.powellfuneralhomes.com. 
Memorial contributions may be made to: Iowa City Hospice, Inc. 1526 Sycamore St. Iowa City, IA  52240.