Mona Bebe Yoder was born November 25, 1926, at home near Crystal Springs, Kansas to Harvey and Ferne (Boyts) Yoder. She passed away April 5, 2023, at her home in Colorado Springs, Colorado, after a 2-year battle with lymphoma.
Mona grew up on a farm in Harvey County, Kansas, where her family farmed with horses. During the Depression, they had no car, so they got around by horseback or walking. She was the oldest of four children. After high school graduation, she worked as a nanny for a family in Wichita, Kansas, then attended a year at Hesston Academy/College, Hesston, Kansas, where she met her husband, Clifford King. They were married on June 20, 1948. They were blessed with five children. In 1962, they moved to the Colorado Springs area.
When she was 49, Mona enrolled in Cosmetology school to learn how to do hair. She used this to do her family and friends’ hair. When in her late 60s, she worked at Boston Market for a few years. She and Clifford traveled all over the United States, Holland, and Brazil to see their children and extended families. Mona had a hobby of photo albums, which now tell the family stories and trips. After her husband passed, she became active at the YMCA where she made many good friends. She still attended into her 90s, until COVID hit.
She is survived by her five children: Venita (Merv) Birky, Gaye (Bill) Metheny, Bob King (Reba), Richard King (Ann), James King (Gabriela); 16 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren; a sister Shirley Swartzendruber (Claude), and a brother, Doyle Yoder (Sharon); a niece, Kim Donoho (Ron), and a nephew, Troy Swartzendruber.
She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 62 years, Clifford (2010), and a brother, Max Yoder.
Mona was an active participant in church all her life. She loved to go on picnics and enjoyed cooking for her family and friends. Mona was known for her delicious pies, her flowers, her quick wit, and her kind and gentle spirit.
A Celebration of Mona’s life will be held at Beth-El Mennonite Church, Colorado Springs, at 10:30 a.m. on May 20, 2023.
Jean
22 Apr 2023Our world is going to be a lot less beautiful and friendly with the loss of our precious Mona B. She was one of the sweetest ladies I have ever known. I know she is with Jesus now and she will surely bring cheer and smiles to God and his angels! I loved you and thank you for being like “mom” when I stayed at your home and would see you in later years. Your family has definitely inherited your kindness and love.
Ed Carlson
5 May 2023My condolences to the family and friends of Mona. I pray for the peaceful repose of her soul.
Melba Miller
5 Aug 2023I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother and grandmother. She was such an unforgettable person. I always enjoyed see her. You were so blessed to have her in your lives.