Charlene Ann Goering Yoder transitioned peacefully on October 16, 2026, at 4 p.m., surrounded by her loved ones. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 21st at Rainbow Mennonite Church in Kansas City. Refreshments and a time of sharing will follow the service. A livestream of the service will be available on Rainbow Mennonite Church’s website.
Charlene was born on March 28, 1943, to Ellis and Esther Goering in Newton, Kansas. She grew up on a farm in a family that valued community, faith, education, and acceptance. She attended a country grade school and graduated from Moundridge High School in 1961.
Charlene attended Bethel College, spending the 1962–63 academic year at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, as part of an exchange program. During her time in Atlanta, she attended plays, concerts, and services at several churches, including Ebenezer Baptist Church, where she heard Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speak. She carefully saved programs and mementos from these experiences. She made new friends while maintaining close connections with family and friends back home. Her time at Spelman showed her courage and openness to new experiences.
When Charlene returned to Bethel College, she met Russel A. Yoder in a marriage and family class. They shared many of the same values and a commitment to making the world better. They were married for nearly 60 years, until Russel's passing in March 2026.
Like her husband, Charlene dedicated her professional life to helping others. She earned her degree in education and taught for more than 25 years in the Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools, working in elementary education. She retired early in 1998 after suffering a brain aneurysm that required surgery. Charlene was a fighter, and her family is so grateful to have had another 28 years with her.
Charlene was baptized at Eden Mennonite Church in Moundridge, Kansas, and was a longtime member of Rainbow Mennonite Church in Kansas City, where she found friendship and support. Family was an important part of her life. She loved raising her three children and helping care for her grandchildren. Her warmth and kindness made those around her feel loved and valued. Charlene also loved ice cream and symphony music, especially hearing her youngest daughter play the violin.
Charlene is survived by her children, Russel (Kristin) Yoder and Dawn Yoder of Kansas City, and Kristina Yoder of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; her beloved grandchildren, Brianna, Kayla, Erika, Leah, and Maggie; and her siblings, Kirby (Chris) Goering and Tim (Susan) Goering of Moundridge, Kansas, and Beth Goering of Indianapolis, Indiana.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Russel A. Yoder; her parents, Ellis and Esther Goering; her sister, Lynette; and her brother, Leonard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cross-Lines Community Outreach or Rainbow Mennonite Church in Kansas City, Kansas, a community that held a special place in Charlene's heart.
