Russel Abner Yoder, 87, of Kansas City, passed away on March 22, 2026, at the University of Kansas Medical Center after a brief hospitalization. He was born in Harper, Kansas, and spent his early childhood in Crystal Springs. His family moved frequently as his father taught classes and ministered for several Mennonite churches, including Crystal Springs, Burrton, and Hesston. A longtime member of Rainbow Mennonite Church in Kansas City, Russel was beloved by his church community, family, and friends. He was nicknamed “Grampoodle” by his grandchildren because of his fluffy, poodle-like beard.

He is survived by his wife, Charlene (née Goering) Yoder; his son, Russ (Kristin) Yoder, and their daughters, Brianna, Kayla, and Erica; and his daughter, Dawn Yoder, all of Kansas City; his daughter, Kristina Yoder of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and her daughters, Maggie and Leah Guild; his siblings, ImoJeanne Johnson of Michigan City, Indiana; Galen Yoder of Silver Spring, Maryland, and his son, Michael, of Washington, D.C.; and Bonita Yoder of Lawrence, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gideon G. Yoder and Stella (née Hostetler) Yoder of Hesston, Kansas; his brother, John Christian Yoder of Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia, and his nephew, Nathan Yoder of Bethesda, Maryland.

After years of relocating, Russel found stability in Hesston, Kansas, where he was able to form lasting friendships before setting out on his own. He graduated from Hesston Academy in 1957 and attended Hesston College from 1957 to 1959, earning an Associate of Arts degree. He worked in a factory painting swathers at night while attending school during the day. He continued his studies at Bethel College and completed his schooling at Goshen College in 1960, earning a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. He met his wife, Charlene, at Bethel when he did some additional studies. After marrying Charlene in 1966 and having their first two children, he went on to receive a master’s degree in Public Administration from UMKC. Both children attended the graduation, with Dawn loudly shouting, “That’s my dad!” while Russ commented on the way home, “I thought Dad graduated from high school a long time ago.”

Russel dedicated his career to helping others. He began as a social worker but spent most of his career as a vocational counselor with the Department of Human Resources, assisting unemployed individuals in finding jobs. He retired early to care for his beloved wife, Charlene. Russel and Charlene were married for almost 60 years, supporting each other through life’s challenges, including medical struggles in later years. Their enduring bond was built on shared values and a commitment to making the world a better place.

Russel had many hobbies and a love for collecting. He treasured stamps, coins, books,and newspaper articles, all with the goal of keeping history alive for future generations. He served on the board of the nonprofit Balmer Fund to help save historic buildings. With a passion for writing, Russel contributed articles to The Prairie Connection and letters to the editor printed in the Kansas City Star . He had begun writing the story of his life, but especially loved composing poetry. He is remembered for reciting his poems at church talent shows, for family members, and for even winning a few local poetry contests. His favorite topics included social injustice, politics, pop culture, and sometimes just playful silliness. With a sharp mind and a sense of humor, he kept even the hospital nurses laughing during his final days.

Alongside his many interests, Russel had a deep love for music—classical, jazz, bluegrass, and folk. Hymns, especially those in the new church hymnal Voices Together , brought him calm in times of stress and lifted his spirit in moments of worship. Above all, his favorite musician was his daughter, Kristina, who now performs with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

A memorial service will be held at Rainbow Mennonite Church, 1444 SW Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66103, at 1:00 PM on May 30, followed by a light reception. Russel was known for his generosity, supporting many charities and offering help to those in need. Memorial donations may be made to Cross-Lines Community Outreach and Rainbow Mennonite Church. Edit: Contributions may also be made to the family to assist with funeral expenses and Charlene’s assisted living costs. The family welcomes and appreciates your stories and memories—please share them by adding to the “Tributes” section below.