Norma Jane Yoder
ESCANABA – Norma Jane Yoder, age 85, of Escanaba, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Christian Park Healthcare Center in Escanaba. She was born on January 2, 1941, in Pretty Prairie, Kansas, to Willard and Linda Graber.
Norma graduated from Halstead High School in Halstead, Kansas, in 1959. She continued her education at Bethel College in Newton, Kansas, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education in 1963. On June 18, 1967, she married Warren Glen Yoder in Marquette, Michigan, beginning a loving partnership that would span many decades.
Education and service to others were at the heart of Norma’s life. She taught elementary school in Denver, Colorado, Marquette, Michigan, and Frederic, Michigan, sharing her patience, encouragement, and love of learning with countless students. In 1978, she began working with MDS/CAA Head Start in Manistique, where she continued to advocate for young learners and their families. Through her dedication and leadership, she eventually became Head Start Director, a position she held until her retirement in 2000.
Norma found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She enjoyed playing board games and could often be found happily working through crossword puzzles for hours. She was also a frequent visitor to the local library, always eager to discover a new book. Norma cherished time spent with her family and friends. Her home was always a place of warmth, conversation, and quiet kindness, and those who knew her will remember the gentle way she made others feel welcomed and valued. Her gentle spirit and caring heart will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
She is survived by her loving husband, Warren; her son, Jeffrey (Alissa) Yoder of Midland, Michigan; and her beloved grandchildren, Emily and Sam (Lexi) Yoder. She is also survived by her sister, Elaine Dean of Hutto, Texas, and brother-in-law Wayne Gregg of Green Valley, Arizona; sister-in-law, Kay Graber of Halstead, Kansas; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Susan Yoder, sister Rosetta Gregg, brother Leland Graber and brother-in-law, Merlin Dean.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Escanaba. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Rev. Erin Totten-Jones officiating. A luncheon will be held in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service.
The Anderson Funeral Home is assisting the Yoder family. Online condolences may be shared at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.
