ARIANE KAY YODER

The world lost a bit of its warmth and sunshine when Ariane Kay (Gough) Yoder passed away on Friday, February 2, 2018, at her home in Ishpeming, MI, after a battle with lymphoma.  A free-spirit full of love, passion, kindness, and a contagious smile, she will be deeply missed by many.

Born on December 2, 1977, in Sandusky, MI, to John Gough and Sherrie Kramer, Ariane grew up with a love of nature and open spaces that continued with her even after graduating from Deckerville High School in 1996.  This was likely in large part due to growing up surrounded by the open fields of the family farm and the beauty of Lake Huron.  Ariane loved to learn, and while she had a passion for books and reading, she also loved to learn by living and through new experiences, always seeking out something new.  The love of learning along with an appreciation for hard work, were traits that continued with her throughout life. 

Ariane had a natural way with children, and combined with her love of learning, a career in education was a natural fit.  She obtained a degree in elementary education from Western Michigan University in 2000, and went on to teach children from preschool through late elementary throughout Michigan and Oklahoma. She later earned a Master’s in Education from Northern Michigan University in 2010.  Her warmth and smile and unending patience made this career a perfect match, and she treasured her relationships with her students and colleagues. 

It was during her time in Kalamazoo that she met her love and future husband, Dominic Yoder. They were married on Mackinac Island in August 2002. Among many things, Dominic shared her love of the outdoors, and they spent many years enjoying camping and travel whenever possible. Ariane and Dominic were overjoyed to become parents, to Lilah Mae in 2013 and to Levi John in 2016.  Her children were Ariane’s heart and soul.  She loved family, and cherished the time she could spend with her siblings, nieces, nephews, and all her extended family.

Ariane’s natural warmth and friendliness drew people to her and she made people feel welcome and valued.  Always the first to offer to help someone else, it humbled her that so many people reached out to her after her diagnosis. She so appreciated those who supported her and her family after her diagnosis in so many ways.  Despite the unknowns, the impact of the treatment, the time away from home and the many other burdens that she was facing, Ariane remained strong and always had a smile.  She understood that inner strength did not mean never being afraid or never showing frustration or sadness, but instead being able to express the emotion and keep on fighting.  As was typical of Ariane, she was more concerned about the burden her care put on others, particularly Dominic, John, Sherrie and Brenda, than what she was managing herself.

The world is a bit darker for those she leaves behind, but the love and memories will forever make us smile and will be shared with her children as they grow.  To quote from a favorite series (Harry Potter), “the ones that love us never really leave us,” and Ariane is forever with us.

Survivors include her husband, Dominic and children, Lilah and Levi. She is also survived by her mother, Sherrie Kramer (Randy Kramer); and father, John Gough (Brenda Nichol); grandmothers, Mary Gough and Lillis Geddes; and siblings: Andy (Jamie) Gough, Alyssa (Jimmy) Tanton, Ethyan Kramer, and Carleah Kramer. She will be missed by her nieces and nephews: Gabrielle, Alexis, Gavin, Sean, Jake, Cole, and Shay; and extended family including CJ (Tricia) Mosher and Brittney, Mallory, and Bentlee.

There will be two services to honor Ariane. There will be a celebration of life in L'Anse, MI on Saturday, February 10 from 11 am - 1 pm at L'Anse Community Schools (201 N 4th St, L'Anse, Michigan 49946).

Another celebration of life service will be held on Friday, February 16 in Deckerville, MI at Mi-Dahs Well Banquet Hall. Visitation will begin at 10 am with a Celebration of Life Service at 11 am and lunch to follow.

Ariane asked that memorials be directed to the family to establish education savings accounts on behalf of Lilah and Levi. Memorials can be made to the family or through the Ariane’s Army,  https://www.youcaring.com/arianeyoder-831945/donate/general

Canale & Pennock Funeral Service of Ishpeming is assisting the Yoder family where memories may be shared at canalepennock.com

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