Ralph S. Yoder Sr. (1933 – 2025)
Ralph S. Yoder Sr., 91, formerly of Coopersburg, died Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 at Parkland Manor, South Whitehall Township.
He was the husband of the late Mercyna M. (Leonard) Yoder, who died Aug. 26, 2024. Ralph was known for his love and care of his wife Mercyna. He was born in Coopersburg on Jan. 6, 1933 to the late William and Emma E. (Moatz) Yoder. Ralph served our country faithfully in the U.S. Army during the Korean War in the 89th Tank Battalion and as a staff sergeant in the headquarters division. He worked at Hatfield Meats in the Meat Packing Division until his retirement. He also delivered milk for Lehigh Valley Dairy and worked in security at Bethlehem Steel and as a bus driver for Southern Lehigh School District. Ralph was a faithful member and volunteer at Lower Saucon United Church of Christ. Ralph was a most kind, friendly and hard-working man. He smiled easily and was energetic and always helpful. He loved his garden, old country music and his family of all generations. He was a proficient grower of strawberries and was known as ‘the strawberry man’ for 55 years. He lived out Christian values, putting much love into the world, particularly loving his wife of 69 years in a most remarkable, gentle way.
SURVIVORS
Ralph is survived by his children: Ralph S. Jr. (Grace) Yoder of Wilmore, Ky.; Colleen C. (Glenn) Horlacher of Schnecksville; four grandchildren: Kelly (Aron) Duncan, Molly (Stephen) Geneczko, Annie Yoder and Laurel Yoder Hutchins (Seth); five great-granddaughters; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by son: Randal Yoder, who died 2005; siblings: Marcella Dietz, Walter, Maynard, Linford, Benjamin and Wesley Yoder.
SERVICES
The family would like to thank the staff at Family Pillars Hospice and Parkland Manor for the care, provided with respect, kindness and dignity, these past few years. Family and friends are invited to call from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 at the Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., 326 Main St., Hellertown. The calling hour will be followed by the service at 11 a.m. A luncheon will be provided at the Carriage House at Heintzelmans, which will be followed by the interment at Springfield Church of the Brethen Cemetery. Online expressions of sympathy can be shared at HeintzelmanCares.com.
CONTRIBUTIONS
Memorial contributions in Ralph’s name may be made to Lower Saucon UCC, 1375 Third Ave., Hellertown, PA 18055 and/or Family Pillars Hospice, 3910 Adler Place, Bethlehem, PA 18017.
