Janet Staves

One-car wreck kills mother of three


On Saturday, Janet Lynn Yoder spent the day driving to help a friend pick up a new car. Her three children spent the day with Yoder's parents, James and Belda Staves, at their home in Bixby.

Mrs. Staves said her daughter was very tired and she did not expect her to pick up the children until Sunday morning. Yoder, 31, of Broken Arrow, had gone to watch a movie at a friend's home, but apparently decided to get the children that evening.

While driving south on Lynn Lane Road at about 9:30 p.m., Yoder failed to stop at a stop sign at 121st Street, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said. Her car struck a tree and she was pinned for more than an hour. Yoder was pronounced dead on the scene and was wearing a seat belt.

Mrs. Staves said her daughter had broken her toe and was wearing a wooden therapeutic shoe. Paramedics told her Yoder's foot may have gotten caught, she said. Yoder had been a legal secretary for two years at the Leblang and Hess law firm, 7666 E. 61st St. She was a graduate of Tulsa Hale High School, where she played in the band. Once married and a mother, Mrs. Staves said her daughter had little time for anything but work and her children.

Janet and Devon Yoder, now of Wagoner, were divorced three years ago. They had three children: Jessica Lynn, 10, Ora Devon, 7, and Russell Cole, 4. Although arrangements have not been completed with the children's father, Mrs. Staves said she and her husband hope to take care of the children so they can stay in the same school. Yoder is also survived by her brother, James Staves Jr., of Dallas. Services were held Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Bixby.

BY: CARALEE JOHNSON ADAMS
11/15/1989
THE TULSA TRIBUNE (FINAL HOME Edition), Page BA7 of Broken Arrow Coweta, Community