Yoshiko Yoder, 81, of Kirkland, WA, died peacefully on May 19, 2011 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's. Yoshiko was born in Kobe, Japan on January 20, 1930 to Kenji and Tome Uenaka. She was the fifth of seven children. Yoshiko was married to Sgt. William E. Yoder in Tokyo, Japan on July 27, 1953, relocating to the United States in 1955. Yoshiko became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1961.

"Yoshi", as she was commonly known by friends, worked for the Social Security Administration in Salinas, CA, where she received numerous commendations for her valued contributions and hard work ethic. She retired after 25-years of service.

After retirement, she moved to Kirkland, Washington to be closer to her children, grandchildren, and great granddaughter. During her 16-year residence in WA, she spent much of her time devoted to her family, her church, and to numerous volunteer activities. She loved sewing and became an exceptional quilter, applying her skills with the "Quilts of Love" group at Evergreen Hospital sewing quilts that brought comfort to many cancer patients being treated at the hospital. Several of her quilts won ribbons at various quilt shows in Washington and Alaska. Yoshi was also active in volunteer efforts as a member of Overlake Christian Church.

Yoshiko is survived by her son Charles and wife Cynthia of Palmer Alaska, daughter Billie Creelman and husband Steve of Lynnwood, and youngest son Dwight and wife Melanie of Kirkland. Yoshiko is also survived by eight grandchildren; Matthew and Rebecca of Anchorage, Alaska; Jessica, Jeremy, Bethany, Lindsey, Dominique, and Jalen, and great granddaughter Mackenzie, all from the Seattle area.

Yoshiko was preceded in death by both of her parents, her husband William Yoder, and her oldest brother Yoshio Uenaka of Japan.

We wish to especially thank the loving caregivers at both The Aegis Lodge in Kirkland and the Loving Adult Family Home in Bothell for giving her loving kindness and exceptional care during the last three years of her life.

Funeral arrangements were performed by Cascade Memorial of Bellevue, Washington.