Dena (Mast) Yoder, 92, of Gambier, gained her heavenly wings at 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024 surrounded by her family.

She was born in Spartansburg, PA on Feb. 16, 1932; a daughter of Eli A. Mast, Sr. and Amanda P. (Yoder) Mast. On Dec. 31, 1953 she married Melvin L. Yoder, who preceded her in death on Sept. 29, 2020.

Dena loved the Lord and had a heart for serving others. She was an amazing mother and homemaker, always cooking and baking to feed anyone that would come to visit. She enjoyed gardening, canning, sewing and taking care of her beautiful flowers and house plants. Together with Melvin, she traveled to 48 different countries on mission trips. They often vacationed in Florida during the winter, but home is where she liked being the most.

She is survived by her nine children, Edna (Edward) Hochstedler of Gambier, Irma (John) Wengerd of Dundee, Melvin Dale (Mary Ellen) Yoder of Danville, Daniel (Mary Edna) Yoder of Shipshewana, IN, Marvin (Esther) Yoder of Gambier, Ada (Wayne) Miller of Columbus, NC, Miriam (Marion) Miller of Gambier, Linda (Floyd) Eash of Utica, James (Monica) Yoder of Gambier; 46 grandchildren; 58 great-grandchildren; siblings, Freeman (Eleanor) Mast of Broadway, VA, Eli Jr. (late Gertrude) Mast of Jamestown, PA, Allen (Laura) Mast of Litchfield, KY, Albert (Esther) Mast of Wooster, Mary Ann (late Owen) Yoder of Croften, KY, Ida (late Albert) Kauffman of North Bloomfield, Ada (Daniel) Miller of Middlefield; and a sister-in-law, Naomi (late William) Mast of Cochranton, PA.

In addition to her parents and her husband Melvin, she was preceded in death by two great-granddaughters, Layla Michelle and Makayla Faith Hochstedler; one great-grandson; siblings, Andrew (Malinda) Mast, Lester (Ada) Mast, William Mast, Susan (Sam) Schwartz and Esther (John) Mast.

Funeral services were held at Melita Fellowship, 9956 Camp Rd, Utica, on Friday, Aug. 9, at 10 a.m. with Pastor Alan Byler officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends had the opportunity to call at Melita Fellowship from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Thursday.

Miller Funeral Care – Walnut Creek, OH 330-893-2273.