Sarah M. Yoder

Sarah M. Yoder, 76, of Arthur, IL passed away at 4:43 PM on Monday, October 27, 2025 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at the Arthur Christian School, 1637 IL State Route 133, Arthur, IL. Pastor Jim Plank will officiate. Burial will follow in the Arthur Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, October 31, 2025 all at the school. The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Sarah was born on October 2, 1949 in Tuscola, IL. She was the daughter of Cris A. and Mattie (Otto) Helmuth. She married the love of her life Floyd Lee Yoder on August 30, 1969 in Arcola, IL. They enjoyed 56 years of marriage, building a beautiful family together.

She is survived by her husband, Floyd Yoder of Arthur, IL, four children, Yvonne Pattison and her husband Marc of Sarasota, FL, Chad Yoder and his wife Carolyn of Arthur, IL, Mike Yoder and his wife Julie of Champaign, IL, and Sheryl Gingerich and her husband Duane of Arthur, IL, 14 grandchildren, Cassidy Pattison-Yoder and husband Drew, Lindsey and Joshua Pattison, Blake Yoder and his wife Catherine, Ava and Greyam Yoder, Ty, Tate, Magdalena and Molly Yoder and Corbin, Emersyn, Camdon, and Kennedy Gingerich, two brothers, Milton Helmuth and his wife Mary of Hoschton, GA, Fred Helmuth and his wife Carolyn of Arcola, IL, and one sister, Anna Beachy and her husband Levi of Arthur, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents and an infant child.

Sarah poured her heart into everything she did. For many years, she owned and operated Yoder’s Country Kitchen in Chesterville, IL, later moving it to Arthur, where it became the beloved Yoder’s Kitchen. Her warmth and hospitality made the restaurant feel like home to everyone who walked through the door. Sarah wasn’t only an entrepreneur, she was a devoted volunteer in her community. She spent 13 years coaching volleyball at Arthur Mennonite School, shaping not only players but pouring encouragement into young hearts. Known for her generous spirit, Sarah made a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her dedication to her career and community was evident in all that she did.

Sarah’s greatest joy was her family. She delighted in her daily lunches in Chesterville with her siblings, where good food and good conversation always went hand in hand. Fridays were for breakfast with her children, a tradition she loved! Family was everything to Sarah. She adored her husband, children, and grandchildren, and always looked forward to being around them. Sarah always made sure there were cookies in the pantry, that holidays were special, and every vacation became a cherished memory that will live on in the hearts of those she loved.

An avid sports fan, Sarah loved volleyball the most, but she also enjoyed watching football, baseball and basketball. She was a big fan of the Illini and the Chicago Cubs. In her free time, she found joy in playing cards with close friends, biking, and walking. Winter months were often spent in Sarasota, FL, where she and Floyd had many great friends as well.

Sarah’s faith was the foundation of her life. She loved Jesus deeply and cherished the presence of the Holy Spirit, who guided and comforted her through every season. Many knew her as a prayer warrior, always ready to pray and believe for others. She was a member of the Vineyard Church in Sullivan, IL where she loved to worship. Sarah served faithfully on the food committee and helped support many faith-based missions. She was generous and kind, often finding quiet ways to bless those around her. One of her greatest joys was seeing her grandchildren grow in their own faith and love for the Lord. Sarah’s heart of gold and deep love for people reflected the presence of God she carried so beautifully.

Memorials may be made to the Vineyard Church.