1934-2026
Mary Jeanette Hostetler (Jeanette), 92, of Bellefontaine, entered the gates of Heaven on September 8, 2026, at Otterbein Green Hills Senior Life Community in West Liberty, Ohio. Jeanette was born at home in Logan County on January 22, 1934. She was the youngest child born to the late Wm Howard and Anna S. (King) Shumaker. Jeanette was preceded in death by her son, Neil D. Hostetler; husband, Kenneth Hostetler; sisters, Wanda Shumaker and Annabelle Hostetler; and brother, Bill Shumaker.
Jeanette is survived by her son, Denis Hostetler of Bellefontaine; two grandchildren, Cortney (Nick) Oakley and Jerrod Hostetler, both of Bellefontaine; two great-grandchildren, Harper and Hunter; a sister-in-law, Eleanor Shumaker; and loving nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.
After graduating from West Liberty High School, Jeanette married Kenneth Hostetler on June 12, 1952, and the two of them volunteered for Mennonite Voluntary Service in La Junta, Colorado.
Jeanette will be remembered for so many things, as she had many interests over the years. She drove a school bus for Bellefontaine City Schools for 25 years, and it was more than a job for her, as she cared for and loved all her students. Jeanette loved to make quilts, and they are in many homes as far away as Costa Rica. She loved to work in her flower garden and to play games with friends. Many will remember pulling taffy with her or square dancing. She is also known for her dinner buns (Grandma Hoss buns). Jeanette and Kenny were also avid fans of Buckeye football and Ohio State Women’s Basketball.
Jeanette was a lifelong member of Bethel Mennonite Church in West Liberty, where she contributed in many ways, including the Women’s Sewing Circle.
Jeanette was also a committed partner in farming with Ken, and over the years they enjoyed traveling together with close friends. Many of their trips were cruises to visit new places.
Pastor Rebecca Kauffman will officiate a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Bethel Mennonite Church, 416 Washington Street in West Liberty. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in West Liberty, Ohio, at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions can be made to Bethel Mennonite Church, PO Box 549, West Liberty, Ohio 43357.
SANFORD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, DEGRAFF is honored to care for Jeanette’s family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or kind message with the family at www.sanfordfuneralhome.com.
