Fredrick Lee Yoder, or "Rick" as he was best known, was born May 4, 1957 in McMinnville, Oregon to Fred and Evelyn Louise (Shenk) Yoder. As a child, Rick loved to play pranks. His mother recalls small practical jokes played on his siblings and cousins. Even at a young age Rick was well known for his joyous sense of humor. He and constant sidekick Cousin Roger, encouraged each other's orneriness from an early age. Rick loved to tell the stories of their escapades laughing throughout the telling. One early, ill-advised activity involved picking Grandpa and Grandma Shenk's entire patch of green cantaloupe. Uncle Ron helped them conceal their shenanigans by throwing the evidence in the creek where it was promptly discovered by Grandma and Grandpa. He attended Western Mennonite High School where on one occasion Rick, with some late-night assistance from Cousin Roger, moved all the furniture from the school's chapel to its lawn. He performed this feat while the Dean of the Students, who promised they could get nothing by him, slept in the Chapel's attic. When not pulling pranks, he enjoyed athletics and excelled at many sports including basketball, soccer and track. Despite his antics, he graduated from Western in 1975.

After graduation, Rick moved to Kansas and began to make a living. He worked at a dairy and then at the Danville Coop. He returned to Oregon briefly and constructed pole barns. In 1981, he returned to Kansas and began employment with Jayhawk Oilfield Supply. This would ultimately become Rick's lifelong occupation. Over time, Rick gained a promotion to manager. In 2008, Jayhawk sold to a group of investors who promoted Rick to president of a company that included multiple locations throughout Kansas. During his tenure, Rick earned the great respect of the investors and his coworkers; building strong, family-like relationships within and outside the company.

Throughout his life, Rick loved sports and the outdoors. His zest for life was never more apparent than when doing things he loved. He enjoyed hunting quail and pheasants in Kansas and deer and elk throughout the West. He looked forward to frequent Alaska trips to the Kenai River for Salmon and deep sea halibut fishing with family. Other adventures included skiing the Swiss Alps and riding motorcycles throughout the states with his wife. He avidly followed University of Kansas Basketball and, despite Meridith's best efforts to convert him to a Cowboys fan, remained loyal to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Rick's greatest love was his family. On November 1, 1997, he married the love of his life, his beloved Meridith. Together they forged a loving family consisting of sons Toben Yoder and Billy Roth and daughter Shalayne Box. As a husband, Rick carried on a romance with Meridith that never dimmed even during his struggles with cancer. Becoming a papa when Brittney arrived gave him great joy. He greeted the addition of all his grandchildren with the same love and enthusiasm. Just days before passing, Toben and Amanda gave Rick a wonderful gift by announcing the newest member of the family is a girl. As a father and grandfather, he modeled a spirit of generosity and a devotion to God and the welfare of others that is reflected in the lives of those he loved. Rick's bright and bold spirit anchored his family and warmed all who knew him.

Rick's faith grew as he aged. His love for his Savior, Jesus Christ, sustained him through his lengthy struggle with cancer. He memorized the 23rd Psalm as a source of comfort and strength during especially difficult treatments. The courage and dignity he displayed through these trials was inspirational to many.

Rick is survived by his precious Meridith, Billy's sons Sage, Quentin, Noah, Brayden, and Jackson Roth. Toben's growing family including daughters Maliah, Phoebe, and much anticipated Cali Faith. And Shalayne's son Brad and daughter Tealie. Rick was grateful his children found life partners who treasure them as much as he and Meridith treasure each other. He was proud when Shalayne married Shane; when Billy chose to serve his country and establish a home with Rhiannon; and when Toben, who recently returned from deployment to Kuwait with the US Army was welcomed home by his love and fiancée, Amanda.

Rick loved his mom, Louise, with all his heart. Even with his eyes closed he sensed her presence when she arrived to be with him in his last days. He took comfort knowing Louise found love, marrying Verle Stutzman.

This summer Rick's siblings Loila (Cliff), Vaughn (Donna), and Marlin (Kathy) visited KS to support Rick through his cancer journey. Never ones to sit still, they painted, mowed, and happily worked together to support their beloved brother and Meridith. Family devotion time each morning gave each of them treasured memories of their family time in Harper.

Meridith's mom, Wanda, and siblings Ronda, Hubert (Frances), Dana (Mark) and Duane (Dana) describe Rick as their rock and strong foundation. They will miss him deeply.

It would take a book to list all the people who loved Rick and mourn his passing. His Aunt and Uncles and many cousins are comforted knowing they will see him again one day. His cherished work family miss him and treasure their memories of him. Rick was a loyal friend to many who miss him intensely.

On August 20, 2017 at 5:29 a.m., Rick was escorted into Heaven where he met his father Fred, who died one month before he was born. We who love him find great comfort picturing that moment. We know stepfather John Marner. Aunt Lu , Uncle Wes, sister Lenette, granddaughter Brittney and his numerous grandparents rejoiced at this arrival in eternity with them.

Rick fought hard to stay with Meridith and his family, yet he had complete confidence in what awaited him in eternal life. When he knew his time on earth was ending he assured those close to him that he was ready and at peace. We rejoice in his victory over death and look forward to joining him and his loved ones in Heaven.

Friends may register from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Funeral is at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at the Pleasant Valley Mennonite Church of Harper, Kansas. Interment will follow at the Harper Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St Jude Children's Hospital and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W 14th ~ Harper, Kansas 67058 is in charge of the arrangements.