Lois Elaine Yoder

Lois Elaine Yoder, 94, of Meadville, passed away peacefully at Wesbury United Methodist Community on May 11, 2026, following a period of declining health.

She was born in Emden, Illinois, on September 1, 1931, the daughter of Joseph Daniel Miller and Esther Eichelberger Miller. On June 9, 1951, she married Kenneth Yoder at Sunnyside Mennonite Church in Conneaut Lake.

She is survived by her brothers, Sam Miller and his wife, Elaine, and David Miller and his wife, Roberta; her son, David Yoder, and his wife, Lori; her daughter, Emma “Debbie” Knapp; her grandchildren, Stephanie Atkins, Levi Knapp, and Adam Knapp; and several nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Diane Aitken; her husband, Kenneth Yoder; and her brother, Dan Miller.

Lois was a Christian woman of strong faith and was deeply involved with Sunnyside Mennonite Church throughout most of her adult life. She taught Sunday School and Bible School, sang in the choir, occasionally served as song leader, and faithfully served as church treasurer for many years. She loved gospel music and traveled across the country with her husband, Ken, to attend gospel music events and concerts.

A devoted homemaker, Lois also held various cleaning positions over the years and later found great joy in launching her own creative business, SawScapes by Lois.

SawScapes by Lois became a meaningful creative outlet she shared with her daughter Diane, producing landscape paintings, painted saws and saw blades, decorative saw-blade clocks, homestead paintings, and even hand-painted iron frying pans. Her artistic spirit and creativity touched many who knew her work.

Lois enjoyed a wide range of interests throughout her life. She loved reading, tending flower gardens, canning and freezing the many fruits and vegetables from the family garden, baking Christmas cookies for family and friends, preparing wonderful meals, and watching birds gather at the feeders from her favorite window seat. She was deeply supportive of her husband’s many interests and adventures, always encouraging those she loved.

Lois lived a long, full life, grounded in faith, family, creativity, and quiet kindness. Her family and many friends will miss her deeply.

An informal memorial service at Sunnyside Mennonite Church will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sunnyside Mennonite Church, 12981 Foust Rd., Conneaut Lake, PA 16316, or to Wesbury United Methodist Community, 31 N. Park Ave., Meadville, PA 16335.

Arrangements have been entrusted to ROSE AND WAID FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, INC., 581 CHESTNUT ST, MEADVILLE.

Memories and condolences can be shared at ww.rosefh.com.