Amanda J. Hochstetler Yoder

Amanda J Yoder, founder of Yoders Restaurant, passed away at the age of 84 on Monday July 2, 2012. Mrs Yoder was at home surrounded by family, when she died peacefully after suffering a brief illness.

Amanda Yoder was born in Nappanee, IN on March 24, 1928 to Joseph and Mary Hochstetler.

She is survived by four children, Harold Yoder, Lorene Kenyon, Mary Lou Emrich, and Anna Marie Yoder, Daughter-in-law, Mary Yoder, Son-in-law, Thomas Kenyon, Son-in-law, Todd Emrich; Eight grandchildren, Joyelle Parker, Lynn Yoder, Tammy Sue Fowler, Brian Emrich, Adrian Yoder, Chris Emrich, Terrie Hoelle, Chelsea Amanda Emrich and 13 great grandchildren, Andrew Thompson, Brendan Thompson, Blake Parker, Moriah Emrich, Levi Emrich, Madelyn Emrich, Alivia Emrich, Nataley Emrich, Garrett Emrich, Shepard Emrich, Emma Reese Hoelle, Culllen Hoelle and Kendra Fowler, sister Anna Mast and a brother Levi Hochstetler both of Nappanee, IN. She was preceded in death by her husband Levi Yoder, a grandson Micheal Kurtz , three sisters Sarah Mast, Liz Yoder, Edna Hochsteler and three brothers Harvey Hochsteler, Eli Hochsteler and Sam Hochsteler.

She was an active member of Palm Grove Mennonite Church, where she was an adult Sunday school teacher and helped head a widow’s group. She loved studying the Bible, music, and fellowshipping with her family and friends.

Amanda had a love for baking and cooking, her hobbies included making quilts, jig saw, crossword and word puzzles and was an avid baseball and tennis fan. She was an animated storyteller with a passion for life.

Mrs Yoder became nationally recognized and well known for her homemade pies and Amish homecooking at Yoders restaurant in Sarasota which began in 1975. She with her family started what has continued to be a destination for many people.

Her family has been blessed not only to have had her as a mother and grandmother, but to have known her, loved her, and to have been loved by her. She was a humble woman of great faith and the legacy she left will continue in many hearts forever. She will be deeply missed by the community, and especially by those who loved her most.

Visitation and funeral services for Mrs. Yoder will be conducted by Palms-Robarts Funeral Home www.palmsrobartsfuneralhome.com with visitation services open to the public on Saturday and Sunday July 7 and 8 from 5 to 8 PM. Funeral service will be held at Bahia Vista Mennonite Church on Monday July 9 at 10 AM with visitation one hour prior to service.

In Lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Mrs. Yoder may be made to Palm Grove Mennonite Church Missions www.palmgrovemennonitechurch.com or to Miriam Neff of Widows Connection Ministries. www.widowconnection.com