Frances Fields Yoder

Frances Fields Yoder, 95 of Holden, Missouri went home to her heavenly reward on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 surrounded by family.

Fran was born March 11, 1928 in Humansville, Missouri, the daughter of Monroe Austin Fields and Jessie Lee (Higgins) Fields.

She graduated Valedictorian at Humansville High School and shortly after, received her Teacher’s Certificate from Bolivar Jr. College.

Fran met the love of her life, John Yoder, while attending Central Missouri State College (now UCM) and they were united in marriage on December 29, 1951 in Humansville, MO.

The following 72 years were an adventure of a lifetime, sharing a love of education, dedication to their family, service to their community, a strong faith in God and dedication to each other.

Fran steadfastly supported John throughout the 16 moves during their marriage. Their married life began in Kansas City, MO while John attended dental school. John opened his first dental practice in Sweet Springs, MO. They spent the next 17 years in Iowa City, IA while John taught and practiced dentistry at the University of Iowa. In 1976 they moved home to Holden, MO where John opened a private practice.

While Fran’s dedication was to her family and her husband, she still found time to teach, gain her master’s in library science, spent time as a Boy Scout Den Mother, Camp Fire Girl Leader, a member of PEO, DAR, the Shakespeare Club and Optimist Wives.

Her heart was wrapped in service and commitment to the United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Methodist Women’s Group, active in preparing supplies for the Festival of Sharing, instrumental in the creation of the Christmas Store and providing school supplies to the underprivileged.

In-between family and devotion to her church and community Fran still found time to fulfill her passions of gardening, knitting, crocheting, sewing quilt tops and weaving rugs on her loom.

Survivors include her husband of 72 years, Dr. John; son: Richard Yoder (Lissa Nelson) of Excelsior Springs, MO; three daughters: Jo Ellen Engert (Robert) of Raymore, MO; Beth Yoder Stein (Tom) of Kansas City, MO and Nancy McConville (Ron) of Holden, MO; seven grandchildren: Synneve Yoder of Plattsmouth, NE; Krista Bell (Andrew) of Liberty, MO; Nathan Engert (Vanessa) of Kansas City, MO; Nicholas Engert of Westerly, RI; Samuel Kelly (Marlis Muschal) of Independence, MO; Jennifer McConville of Holden, MO and Andrew McConville of Wichita, KS; seven great grandchildren: Leon Arthur Bell, Miles Robert Engert, Chloe Maria Engert, Calvin Gregory Muschal Kelly, Vincent James Vance, Quinten Reid McConville and Norah Pauline McConville; brother: Howard Fields of Waldport, Oregon; sister JoAnne Richardson of Peoria, IL and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be 3:00 p.m. Friday, February 9, at Holden United Methodist Church with Pastors Rob Allen and L. David Mortensen co-officiating.

The family will receive friends, one hour prior to service, Friday at the church.

Interment will follow at Pisgah Cemetery, North of Chilhowee.

Pallbearers include: Jim Courtney, Ralph Davis, Brian Peacock, Gary Burden, Aaron Burden, and Mason Burden, Honorary Pallbearers include: Ed Courtney and David Courtney.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Holden United Methodist Church or the Holden Library.

Arrangements entrusted to Williams Funeral Chapel in Holden.