Jean Greider Yoder

Jean was preceded in death by her husband Joe D. Yoder (2007); her twin brother Joe Greider (2005); and two grandchildren.

Jean is survived by her children Jhan Yoder-Wyse (Dan Wyse), Ben Yoder (Jane), Peter Yoder (Mary Ette Kramer), Barbara Graber (Dennis); 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister Carol Unruh; brother Ed Greider (LoaLea); sister-in-law Carolyn Sauder; and many nieces and nephews.

Jean was born on July 26, 1932 in Urbana, Ohio to Joe and Grace (Troyer) Greider. She spent her childhood and early adulthood in West Liberty, Ohio. She married Joe D. Yoder on July 19, 1953 at Bethel Mennonite Church in West Liberty. Soon after they moved to Madison County, Ohio to begin farming.

Jean farmed alongside Joe raising livestock, driving tractors, hauling grain, and bringing food to the fields. She helped her children with 4-H projects, and she took several overseas trips with farm groups. Up until her last few days she continued to ask about the weather and worry about how the crops were coming along.

Jean’s passion was her family. She was a dear mother. She focused on giving her children experiences of travel, art, music, farming, and she made the best cookies. She was a hands-on Granny earning the loving respect and doting attention of her grand and great grandchildren. Jean took many trips with children and grandchildren that are cherished memories for all.

Jean was an artist. It oozed out of her from her early days until her last week. She tried her hand with many mediums, including quiltmaking, penny rugs, rug hooking, interior decorating, and painting. At the encouragement of her husband, Jean started taking painting lessons in the early 1960s and she just kept going. Jean loved to travel and her trips became an inspiration for her painting. Jean was part of the Worthington Art League, and the Women’s Art Guild of Columbus. She had many art shows around Ohio garnishing many first place awards. Jean painted with some of her children and a grandson at the Cultural Arts Center in Columbus. Since she moved to First Community Village in 2007 she has been painting on Thursday night with family and friends in the art studio. She spent many happy hours in the studio and enjoyed meeting with other artists there.

Jean will be missed deeply by all who knew and loved her.

There will be a memorial reception and retrospective art exhibit at the Sanders Center/Burkhart Chapel at First Community Village, 1800 Riverside Dr Columbus, OH on July 12, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. with some words by Pastor Murphy at 7:00. All are welcome.

A private interment will be held at a later time at Fairview Cemetery in West Liberty, Ohio.

Donations in memory of Jean Yoder can be made to the Madison County Board of DD, for camps for children on the Autism Spectrum and/or other disabilities. Checks can be sent to Madison County Board of DD, 500 Elm Street, London, Ohio 43140.