At My Sister's Memorial Service

While not a biological mother, Fannie Mae was a
terrific mom to her adopted daughter Nina Ruth and
to scores of other babies and children she cared for
(The lighthouse represents some of her art work).

I shared the following heartfelt words at my sister's funeral yesterday:

In the past couple of years Fannie Mae would sometimes lament the fact that she didn’t have family like the rest of us siblings did. Today I would want to say, “Fannie Mae, look around you at all these people. Look at your family, not only the nieces and nephews and cousins but your church and community family of people who love you. 

On Fannie Mae’s behalf, and for all of the Yoder family, I want to express special appreciation for people like Alvin, Barbara Ann, and Sharon Schrock for being the best and most caring neighbors Fannie Mae could have ever had, for the sometimes day and night care they offered her. And for cousin Barbara Hershberger, who was like a sister, taking such an interest in her care and taking her to multiple doctors appointments and the like, way beyond the call of duty.

And what would we have done without Maynard Miller, her power of attorney, who with Shirley spent hours taking care of details about finances and so many other important matters in our absence. And thanks to Betty Hershberger for all the help she gave her with her email problems and for creating this wonderful program for us.

And for niece Mary Lois Schrock and all the other good folks at Blue Ridge Christian Homes for the exceptional care they provided, and for administrator Melvin Bender for helping make her stay there affordable for us and for Pilgrim church, who generously helped fund her stay. All of you and Dr. Marsh, went out of your way to help save her life and give her the best quality of life possible while she was there.

Then there was the compassionate staff at Mountain View Nursing Home, with niece Faith Hochstetler as one of her faithful RN’s, where Fannie Mae also received the best care imaginable during her last weeks here on earth. We’ve been beyond blessed by how everything has worked out and how many angels in disguise God has provided for her care.

And last but not least among these angels in disguise have been all of the good women from the Pilgrim church who often spent nights with her, and who signed up to spend hours of time with her during the day to help feed and care for her. You’ve been such Godsend, and we as a family don’t know what we would have done without you. 

I know I’m still overlooking all kinds of people I should name here. God knows who you are, and you will each receive your reward. 

So, for Fannie Mae and all of us, “Be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

Here's a link to her obituary: 
http://harvyoder.blogspot.com/2019/10/one-of-my-favorite-heroes-just-passed.html