Kathryn Darlene Yoder

Kathryn Darlene (Branham) Yoder of Lindsay, Oklahoma entered into her eternal rest on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at Lindsay Manor Nursing Home. She was 88. Kay or Katy, as she was better known, was born April 4th, 1929 in Washington, Ok. to James Carlisle Branham and Bessie Mae Branham. Kay had been an active member of the Lindsay United Methodist Church. Like many Oklahomans of this era, Kay’s family frequently moved to find work. At one point they migrated to California but returned to Oklahoma. Kay graduated from Midwest City High School. After graduating she worked for the telephone company in Oklahoma City. She was introduced to Joe Paul Yoder of Cyril, Oklahoma. They were married in the home of Wayne and Dorothy Branham on their farm near Carnegie, Oklahoma. They started married life in Del City, Oklahoma. Joe and Kay had two sons. Joseph (Joe) Michael Yoder and Steven Dewayne Yoder. Tragically, Steven was born prematurely and died shortly after his birth. As with so many women married to men who worked in the oil field, Kay was often mother and father to their son, but she was up to the task. When their son left for college in 1969 she began working in the fabric department of the Ben Franklin store in Lindsay. She enjoyed this so much she opened her own fabric store—“Kay’s Knits & Bolts”. It was successful because Kay was an extraordinary seamstress and she helped many people learn this craft. She was such an astute business person she was approached by the Sears Company and given an opportunity to add a Sears Catalog department in her fabric store. The Sears Catalog business proved so lucrative that she closed the fabric store, renovated an abandoned store on the south end of Lindsay’s Main Street, near the post office, and opened a full-line Sears catalog store. Kay ran the Sears Catalog store for several years but was forced to close it when Sears abandoned its catalog business. In 1981, Joe and Kay moved into a home in Erin Springs. They enjoyed gardening, entertaining family and friends, and Kay returned to sewing. She was so accomplished at sewing that she made her son’s business suits. She also became interested in ceramic doll making, and as with everything in her life, she threw herself into it 100%. She refined her skills in classes in Oklahoma City and learned how to “fire” her dolls in her own kiln. She then painted them and made their clothing. They were so beautiful she won numerous awards at ceramic shows and one of her dolls won a Blue Ribbon at the State Fair of Oklahoma. Kay was multi-talented. She wrote poetry and painted fine art. She applied her organization and cooking skills to the bereavement dinners at the Lindsay United Methodist Church. Kay is still remembered for her chicken and dumplings. After Joe Sr.’s death in 2004, Kay remained in their Erin Springs home for three years. She then moved into the Lindsay Manor Nursing Home and remained there until her death. She was loved by the staff and other residents for the love and happiness that she generously bestowed to all. Kay is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her second son; and a brother, Neil Edwin Branham, who died at 3 from diphtheria. Kay was the eldest of five and is survived by a brother, Carrol Branham, and three sisters: Jo Ann Osburn, Janice Wasmer, and Linda Rackley. She is also survived by her son, Joe M. Yoder, his wife, Dr. Jean Fellenser Yoder; and her grandchildren, Bonnie June Yoder and Keith Frederick Yoder. Kay was also very close to Carrol’s wife, Loretta, and whenever they were together, there was always much laughter and love. She was also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. She was also very close to her three sisters-in-law. Joe Sr.’s mother, Sally Yoder, referred to them as “Her Girls”. Two have also passed, Willadean Yoder and Mary Ann Yoder. Camille Yoder is the last surviving “Girl”. A memorial celebration will be held Saturday, November 18th at 1:30pm at the Lindsay United Methodist Church at 114 W. Chickasaw. Personal stories about Kay will be welcomed. The interment will follow. The memorial celebration and interment are open to everybody. These will be led by Rev. Jacki Banks, UMC minister. For those so moved, the Kay Yoder Memorial Fund has been established at the church and donations will go to its food bank. Services are under the direction of Scott Wilbourn with Boydston Funeral Home. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.boydstonfuneralhome.com

Kathryn Darlene Yoder

April 4, 1929 - November 1, 2017

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services