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Shirley Joan Hostetler, 90, was welcomed into her heavenly home Monday, Nov. 27, 2017.
She was born Dec. 27, 1926, the youngest child of the late Elmer and Nancy Yoder Smucker and was a life-long resident of West Liberty.
On Oct. 20, 1948, she married Dwight Hostetler, whom she knew from childhood. They were married 68 years when Dwight passed away Feb. 12, 2017. Dwight and Shirley were the oldest married couple at Oak Grove Mennonite Church where they were both life-long members. Together they had five children, Conrad, Twila, Phama, Michael and Timothy.
Shirley was a hard-working, high-energy little woman. She patiently and tenderly cared for Timothy, their special needs son, as long as she was physically able. Shirley was a wonderful cook and gracious hostess who delighted in preparing large feasts for her family. Shirley was happiest when she was busy working in her kitchen or vegetable garden, tending her flowers, freezing produce or helping Dwight create beautiful wooden toys in his workshop. At the age of 60, Shirley was one of the first staff members employed at the Green Hills Child Care Center when it opened 30 years ago. Later, she volunteered at Green Hills, assisting in activities for senior residents. In their retirement years she enjoyed traveling with Dwight all over North America and making countless trips to various states where their daughters lived. She always enjoyed family gatherings with relatives from both large extended families of the Smuckers and the Hostetlers.
Shirley is survived by her four children, sons, Conrad (Ginny) Hostetler and Michael (Nancy) Hostetler, both of West Liberty; two daughters, Twila (Bob) Good of Hesston, Kan., and Phama (Robert) Woodyard of Lynden, Wash.; brother-in-law, Donald Hostetler ; sister-in-law, June Hostetler; 18 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She also was preceded in death by her son Timothy; one brother and three sisters. The Hostetler family sincerely thanks the staff at Green Hills Care Center and the Inn for their loving care for Shirley throughout her two years there.
A celebration of life honoring Shirley begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Oak Grove Mennonite Church, 1525 Mennonite Church Road, West Liberty, where guests may gather one hour prior to meet the family. Pastor Dick Barrett officiates the service
Memorial contributions may be made in Shirley’s memory to Oak Grove Care and Share/Jenna Fund, 1525 Mennonite Church Road, West Liberty, OH 43357.
Arrangements are through Jennings Farley Funeral Home & Crematory and condolences may be expressed at [email protected].