"Our deepest condolences to the Hostetler family and friends from the staff at Sound Choice Cremation. "
In loving memory of
Mary Alice Hostetler
March 30, 1937 - December 27, 2022
MARY ALICE HOSTETLER, also known as Mom, Mama, Grandma, GG, was born March 30th, 1937, and went home to be with Jesus December 27th, 2022, at the age of 85. She spent the last few weeks of her life surrounded by and loving on her family who loved her so dearly.
She was the only child of Frank Horne and Catherine White. Mary and her cousin, Linda Cogar (Leon), dubbed themselves "two little girls that no one wanted" so they became sisters by heart... cousisters. Raised by their grandparents. Linda and Mary shared an unbreakable bond and will someday share "cousister hugs" again in heaven. Mom to six biological children, Deborah O'Dell (Gary), Teresa Harrell (Allen), Timothy Vest (Deb), Dale Vest (her uncontested favorite who she was reunited with in heaven), Kathleen Cole and John Cole.
Life was full of ups and downs, tears and laughter, good times and hard times. Many times she worked two jobs to care for her children. Then in 1971 she met and married her honey, Earl Hostetler, who went home to Jesus just 387 days before her and just after their 50th anniversary. Oh, how she missed him every single day and she desperately longed to be with him again.
Earl brought into their union 4 children, Roger Hostetler (Pam), Jeff Hostetler, Darlene Hilton (Levon) and Greg Hostetler (Tracy). What a roller coaster ride we all had and the stories we have of our awfully wonderful, blended mess of a family! With all those children came a slew of grandchildren 38 (we think), 61 great grandchildren and 8 great, great grandbabies.
Mary was a poet, a writer, a seamstress, a quilter, an artist. Her talents too many to mention. Her favorite meal was pinto beans, fried taters and cornbread. Hold the sugar! At the age of 50 she made a decision to go back to school and get a nursing degree. Not content with just becoming an LPN she continued her education and graduated as a Registered Nurse. She worked at Heartland Health Care in Sarasota until her health allowed it no more and then she spent her days crafting and junkin' which was her all-time favorite pastime. She could spend hours upon hours wandering through a thrift store! She spoke her mind so you never had to question where you stood with her. She loved unconditionally. She forgave quickly. She gave of herself sacrificially. She was ferociously protective of those she loved and completely loyal to those blessed to call her friend.
When we put our trust in Jesus Christ, we have the hope of eternal life so we thank you God that we didn't have to say goodbye. We'll just say, "See you later, mom. Until we see you again, we will miss you like crazy." BEST MAMA EVER!