Betty Yoder, age 99, died, January 1, 2026, at Morton County Assisted Living Center in Elkhart, Kansas. She was born on November 13, 1926, in Elkhart, Kansas, the daughter of Frank and Florena (Weir) Minor.
Betty and her family lived Northeast of Elkhart on the family farm until the mid 1930’s, surviving the depression of 1929 and the Dust Bowl of the 1930’s. Betty was raised in Elkhart and lived there until she went to college. She attended Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas graduating in 1948 with a Major in Business and a Minor in English.
She married the love of her life, Phil Yoder, on March 26, 1948, after being introduced by a cousin following Phil’s return from his Military Service. To this union, 2 children were born.
Betty’s off-the-farm work life included 15 years at the ASCS office and another 15 years at the Cimarron National Grassland Forest Service Office. After resigning from Forest Service, Betty and Phil started delivering mail from Rolla to Richfield and most of Northern Morton County. During their retirement years, they traveled extensively by RV making many friendships along the way.
Through the years, Betty was very involved with many organizations in the county including Business and Professional Women, The Methodist Church in both Elkhart and Richfield, United Methodist Women, Chit-Chat, Richfield Study Club and 4-H as a member, leader, parent grandparent and supporter. She also dedicated much time to Elkhart High School reunions and the Morton County Fair.
She is lovingly remembered by her family and friends, who will cherish her memory and carry forward the values she lived by. Betty’s life was a testament to perseverance, love, and grace, and her legacy will continue through the generations she inspired.
Betty is survived by her son, Terry Yoder and wife, Jennifer of Livingston, Texas; daughter, Lori Hanna and husband Scott of Richfield, Kansas; 5 grandchildren, Whitney (Walter), Kale (Crystal), Austin (Kira), Dylan (Morgan) and Shaylyn (Landon). And 2 great-grandchildren, Graham and Lena.
She is preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Phil Yoder.
Funeral service will be Friday, January 9, 2026, at 10:00AM at the Elkhart Methodist Church in Elkhart with Jess Lee officiating. Interment will follow at the Elkhart Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Garnand Funeral Home Chapel in Elkhart from 2:00PM- 8:00PM. Memorial contributions may be given to Morton County 4-H or Morton County Assisted Living Center in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 854, Elkhart, KS 67950. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.