Joyce Fern (Hedrick) Yoder

Joyce Fern Yoder (born Joyce Fern Hedrick), 82, of Guthrie, Oklahoma, passed away on January 21, 2024, surrounded by family. Joyce was born on May 5, 1941, in Hennepin, Oklahoma, to W.W. "Bounce" and Dovie Lee (Foster) Hedrick. She was preceded in death by her parents and her five siblings: Dorethea Clubb Northcutt and husband L.E. "Bear" Clubb, JoAnn Sandusky and husband Sam, Bill Hedrick and wife Mary, Oniece Pickett and husband Jim, and Bob Hedrick.

Joyce met the love of her life, John Timothy Yoder, at the Red Fox Dance Hall Saloon in Rock Island, IL. Their connection was instant; John told her he was going to marry her just after six weeks of dating. They were engaged for four months, and then married in Corcoran, CA on December 22, 1962. They shared a beautiful journey together for 61 years. They made their home in Half Moon Bay, CA, and later settled in Illinois, where they adopted three wonderful children with the help of their pastor from Moline Gospel Temple. In 1977, they moved to Pauls Valley, OK, and have resided in Oklahoma ever since. Joyce is survived by her beloved husband, John, and their children: Tim Yoder and wife Kim Yoder, Tarra Ogee and husband Darren Ogee, and Travis Yoder and wife Angela Yoder. She was also a loving grandmother to Hayden Yoder, Emily Yoder, Jordan Ogee, and Olivia Yoder. Joyce also leaves behind many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and their families.

Joyce held various positions throughout her life where she took great pride, from driving a food truck for River King in Davenport, Iowa, working as a seamstress with her sister Dorethea at Kellwood in Pauls Valley, working in the children's department at Dillard's Department Store, and serving as a liaison and special education teacher to Native American students for Whitebead School. She also worked alongside her husband, John, in the home building business, using her exceptional eye for design and detail. However, the role she treasured the most was being a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, caring for her family until her last breath. She loved them all deeply, and was the happiest when spending time with her family.

Joyce had an amazing green thumb and in her free time enjoyed gardening, tending to her flowers and transforming any space, indoors or outdoors, into a place of beauty. She was also a very talented singer, having performed as a soloist on a weekly radio broadcast in Pauls Valley as a teen. Her greatest talent though, was her loving warmth and kindness towards people; everyone was welcome in her home. She possessed the most gentle and kind spirit that radiated to those around her.

Those that knew Joyce knew what an avid Thunder fan she was, faithful in support of her team! She loved watching her kids play sports throughout the years, and that love of watching sports carried forward to becoming a huge fan of the OKC Thunder basketball team. If they were playin’ Joyce was cheering them on!

Viewing will take place on Sunday, January 28, 2024, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m., with Visitation from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., at Hale's Funeral Home located at 202 S 4th Street in Davis, OK.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Joyce’s life will be held at Hale's Memorial Chapel in Davis, OK, on Monday, January 29, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., followed by burial services at Hennepin, OK Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Tim Yoder, Travis Yoder, Hayden Yoder, Darren Ogee, Tony Pickett, and Terry Pickett.

The family of Joyce Yoder wish to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at Russell-Murray Hospice for their care of Joyce.

Hale's Funeral Home is honored to assist the Yoder family during this difficult time.

Online condolences can be made at halesfuneralhomes.com