GAINESVILLE
Jeanette Hostetler, 83, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2022. Born in Harper, Kansas as the only child to Chester and Pauline Shepherd on February 24, 1939. Jeanette graduated from Harper High School, received her Bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University, and received her Master’s Degree from IUPUI. She was a family counselor who worked in a primary care clinic in Columbus, Indiana. Jeanette met Keith Hostetler in high school, and they were married on July 9, 1961 in Harper, Kansas. Jeanette is survived by her son Mark Hostetler (Meryl Klein) of Gainesville, Florida, son Craig Hostetler (Kathy) of Portland, Oregon, and grandchildren Jamm, Amy, Tupelo, and Ben. She was preceded in death by her husband, Keith Hostetler, on August 18, 2022.
Both of her parents were teachers in the public school system. That shaped her family’s opportunities to travel in the summers and develop an appreciation for how people live all over the country and the world. After college, Jeanette and Keith moved to Nigeria and were teachers at the University of Nigeria. They continued to travel in the US and overseas when they moved back to the US to settle in Columbus, Indiana. Jeanette and Keith were active volunteers throughout their lives, particularly in Columbus. They retired to Gainesville, Florida where they continued their lifelong volunteerism and enjoyed frequent family time together.
Jeanette had boundless energy and was up for anything. She was known as an amazing hostess, cook, crafter/quilter, volunteer, and Master Gardener with an incredible eye for design. She developed an extensive garden at her home in Columbus, helped design the hospice garden at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, part of Columbus Regional Health, and a native garden at her church, as well as at her home in Gainesville, FL. She helped establish EarthCare Ministry at her church, restoring habitat and leading efforts to conserve natural resources. Jeanette was an active Red Cross volunteer, helping the mental well-being of people who experienced tragedy. Her four grandchildren were the lights of her life, and she spent endless hours doing crafts and playing games with them, baking cookies, and taking family photos to capture special moments.
Memories may be shared by emailing craighosoregon@gmail.com. The memorial service will be held at Westminster Church, 1521 NW 34th Street, Gainesville, Florida on Saturday, February 25 at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a memorial donation be made to Heifer International.
