Plain City, OH - Wilma Jean Sensing Yoder, surrounded by her loving family, entered peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, April 9, 2026 after a four-year courageous battle with cancer.

Born on February 19, 1937, at her family homestead in Cumberland Furnace, Tennessee, to Jasper and Ethel Sensing, she was shy by nature but adventurous at heart, and built a life rich with family, faith, and laughter.

She met her husband of 61 years, Simon R. Yoder, by happy accident: Simon was stationed with the 11th Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, when his buddy's car broke down. He drove his friend to a date in Tennessee — and that's where he spotted Wilma hanging laundry outside. They were married on September 2, 1952, and went on to have nine children, 27 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Wilma was the hub of family life for more than seven decades — and a lifesaver in more ways than one. On July 12, 1966, she caught sight of a tornado crossing their property on North Avenue just as Simon was heading back inside from his office, and pulled him to shelter. She never missed a family event, kept everyone connected through regular phone calls, and made sure gatherings happened with plenty of food.

A devoted member of Cornerstone Church of Christ in Plain City, OH, her faith in Jesus carried her through life's hardest moments, including the losses of her husband, Simon, her sons, Darrel and John, and her daughter-in-law, Karen.

She was known and loved for many things, including her cooking, which is best described as a unique fusion of Tennessee Southern and Amish — a style she learned from Simon's family. In retirement, Simon and Wilma traveled the country in their RV, chasing warmer weather and visiting family and friends. Wilma also never missed a family gathering to celebrate life's milestones for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Wilma is preceded in death by her husband Simon R. Yoder (2013); her sons Darrel Wayne Yoder (2014) and John Carl Yoder (1984); her daughter-in-law Karen Marie Frey Yoder (1983); and her siblings Deedie Marie, James Russell, Mary Agnes, George Marshall, Katie Maude, and William Jewell Sensing.

She is lovingly survived by her children Anthony (Tony) Wade and Wendy Yoder of Havelock, NC; Mary Jane and Anthony (Tony) Kuhns of Plain City; Richard Lee and Cynthia Yoder of Plain City; Simon R. Yoder, Jr. and Christina Yoder of Westerville; Rita Jean and Nicholas Christopher of Plain City; David Allen and Kim Yoder of Columbus; and Gerry Dean Yoder of London; her daughter-in-law Karen Krivanek Yoder (Darrel) of Mason, OH; sister Marion Jo Sensing of Erin, TN; and her brother Douglas Ray Sensing of Waverly, TN.

Visitation will be Monday, April 13, 2026 from 6-8 p.m. at Ferguson Funeral Home, 202 East Main Street, Plain City, OH 43064. Her funeral will be on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 10 a.m. at Cornerstone Church of Christ, 8280 Rickard Rd, Plain City, OH 43064 with Pastor Mark Barth officiating. Interment to follow at Forest Grove Cemetery, Plain City, Ohio.

"So many memories and stories." She was, in every sense, irreplaceable.

Please visit www.fergusonfuneralhomeinc.com to share a special memory. Ferguson Funeral Home, Plain City, Ohio is honored to care for the Yoder family.