Celebrate the life of Martin “Bud” Yoder, a devoted family man, farmer, and faithful servant. How did Bud’s legacy of love and dedication touch your life?
We at The Bullvine extend our deepest sympathies to Bud’s family and friends. Martin “Bud” Yoder, 49, took his last breath on June 29, 2024, with his wife by his side. Bud was known for his unwavering dedication to his family, love for farming, and ability to make everyone feel like they were his favorite.
Martin Wesley Yoder was born to John Junior and Lois Marie Yoder on March 8, 1975. His father fondly nicknamed him “Bud,” as he was the youngest of eight children. Growing up on a farm near West Salem, Ohio, Bud was immersed in farm life from an early age. He even learned to spell his first word – CASE (tractor) – and joined the local Wayne County 4-H Program.
During his high school years, Bud played basketball and was an active member of the Northwestern FFA. He graduated from Northwestern High School in 1993. Following his graduation, Bud attended Rosedale Bible Institute, where he cherished friendships and participated in the RBI drama productions.
After his time at RBI, Bud spent many years fitting cattle for shows and sales worldwide, including in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Brazil. While working as their cattle herdsman, he formed a special relationship with Jim and Nancy Kemp. Later, he also held the same position as David Hershey.
While Bud loved working with cattle, he found a new calling working alongside Roger Baker. After a lengthy stint with Roger, who nearly turned Bud into a Hollywood star (hear the full story at the service), Bud’s desire to be his boss led him to start a hoof-trimming business, which he successfully operated for eight years.
Bud always said he didn’t just want to “marry a woman he could live with,” but rather “marry a woman he couldn’t live without.” When he found the woman he couldn’t live without, he sold his thriving business and house, moving to Canada to marry Sarah (Donaldson) on June 28, 2014.
Bud and Sarah wasted no time starting a family. Nine months and one week after their wedding, they welcomed their daughter, Mikaela Joy Yoder, on April 3, 2015. Bud started working on Sarah’s family farm and quickly became the go-to man, taking the role with charismatic willingness. Soon after, Sarah and Bud founded their farm, Golden Gate Farms. They built a state-of-the-art Lely robotic milking and feeding system, becoming a model farm for many tours. Bud enjoyed hosting farmers from all over the world, discussing both traditional and progressive farming methods.
In 2018, Bud and Sarah welcomed their son, John Wesley Yoder, completing their family. Bud’s life revolved around his family and cherished every moment spent with them. He included them in everything he did and wanted to pursue. He enjoyed family trips, side-by-side excursions, and traveling to Madison, Wisconsin, for the World Dairy Expo to exhibit his cows. He was a true showman, consistently exemplifying excellence to youth and friends through his everyday actions.
Bud was a devout member of the Bradner Presbyterian Church and was active in its ministry. His faith was a guiding light in his life, and he was a true shepherd, adhering to God’s word and sharing its lessons with his children.
Bud was preceded in death by his father, John Junior Yoder (2014), and his father-in-law, Rob Donaldson (2022). He leaves behind his loving wife of 10 years, Sarah Yoder, and their two children, Mikaela Joy Yoder (9) and John Wesley Yoder (6). He is also survived by his mother, Lois Yoder of Wooster, OH; his siblings Linda (James) Nissley of Tucson, AZ; Delbert (Heather) Yoder of West Salem, OH; Daniel Yoder of Apple Creek, OH; Glenda (Marvin) Zuercher of Wooster, OH; Myron Yoder of Centerville, OH; Anita (Ryan) Hostetler of Mechanicsburg, OH; and Marla Yoder of Columbus, OH.
Bud’s many nephews and nieces will greatly miss him. He had a unique way of making each one feel like they were his favorite, leaving a lasting impact on their lives.
There will be a Tribute to Bud’s Life in Bradner, BC, and another in Wooster, Ohio. See details below.
Date: Thursday, August 22, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m
Location: Bradner Community Hall (5305 Bradner Rd, Abbotsford, BC, V4X 2P1)
The family invites everyone who knew or called Bud a friend. There will be an opportunity to share a memory or how Bud impacted your life—refreshments.
Date: Sunday, September 22, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m
Location: Roger Baker’s Farm (6609 Ashland Road, Wooster, OH 44691).
A tribute will be followed by a time of visitation and a meal provided by the farmers and friends from the agricultural community who loved Bud. If you knew Bud, please plan to attend and share your memories with family and friends in private conversation or at the open mic during the meal. The open mic session allows everyone to share their favorite memories of Bud, his impact on their lives, and the lessons they learned from him. A Keepsake Box will also be available for you to leave a written memory of Bud for his children to cherish in the years to come.
