Regina Faye Yoder, 54, died Aug. 6, 2023, in Sheldon, Wisconsin. She was born in Iowa City, Aug. 22, 1968, the daughter of Morris M. and Jean (Gingerich) Yoder. All children are special, but Regina, born with Downs Syndrome, was extra special. When she was born, her father came home from the hospital and told the family “…we will bring her home to love and care for her to the best of our ability.” She was enrolled in Pleasant Valley Amish school at age 5. Under the excellent teaching of Linda Hershberger, Regina learned to read and write. She never graduated her love for school and attended different private schools until age 50.
When she was 7, her parents went to some meetings in Maryland where her father was to preach. He had a heart attack while at the meetings, passing from this life at age 46, leaving behind a heartbroken family. Regina filled a spot that only she could with her sunshine and cheer.
A few short years later she moved with her family to Wisconsin. As one by one her siblings married and moved out, Regina was a constant companion and brought joy and purpose to her Mom.
Regina had many friends, loved birthdays, wrote many stories and lived in them. In 1994, Eugene and Joyce moved to Missouri and Mom and Regina moved shortly thereafter. They lived there until Mom passed on in 2007, after which Regina moved in with Eugene and Joyce’s family. While we expected her to fall apart and give up, she did the opposite and brought her own sense o fhealing through her simple faith in God and her acceptance of the new normal.
In 2010, she moved with Eugene’s family back to Wisconsin, where she spent the next 13 years keeping their lives full of interest. She enjoyed life, especially when nieces and nephews came around and didn’t disturb her schedule too much. We are indebted to Sylvia Martin for the blessing she was in the last 10 years, taking care of Regina to provide a break for Joyce from time to time.
Survivors include her sisters: Kathy Beachy of Kalona and Joyce (Eugene) Zimmerman of Sheldon, Wisconsin; brothers: Steve of Homeworth, Ohio, John (Pam) of Iowa City, and Mike of Marshfield, Wisconsin; and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
Regina was preceded in death by her parents; two infant siblings; brother-in-law: Nelson Beachy; and sister-in-law: Miriam Yoder.
Services were held Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023 at Sheldon Mennonite Church, Sheldon, Wisconsin.
We are grateful to God for His timing in the events leading up to her passing and we wish to extend heartfelt thanks to each one who played a part in prayers and caring support during this time.
