Altye Mae Hostetler

Altye Mae Hostetler, age 81, of Eureka, Illinois passed away at 9:50 am Thursday April 4, 2013, at Maple Lawn Health Center in Eureka. She was born Feb. 21, 1932, in Vellore, South India to Rev. George B. and Hulda (Lehr) Lubbers. She married Raymond O. Hostetler on Sept. 10, 1954, at Linn Amish Mennonite Church. He passed away Oct. 28, 1999. She was also preceded in death by her parents. Surviving are her children, Deb (Richard) Van Der Molen of Oak Park, IL., Dan (Cindy) Hostetler of Ramsey, MN., Will Hostetler of Peoria, IL., Jen (Charlie) Stone of Kalona, IA., Judy Kott of LaGrange Park, IL., and granddaughter, Dawn Schroeder who was raised by Raymond and Altye of Eureka, IL., ten additional grandchildren and two great grandchildren further survive. Also surviving are two sisters, Faith (Richard) Blight and Carol Babcock both of Dallas TX. As a child, Altye attended Woodstock School, a boarding school located in the foothills of the Himalayas in Mussoorie, India. She returned to the United States to continue her education and graduated first in her class at Tyndall High School in Tyndall, SD. She then attended Wheaton College (Wheaton, IL) for two years, followed by three years of nurses training at West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park, IL, earning her R. N. degree. Following her marriage, she moved to Eureka, IL and was the first registered nurse to work at Maple Lawn Homes. In 1956, she began working as a nurse at Eureka Community Hospital, where she served until her retirement in 1997. In her retirement, she enjoyed gardening, reading, listening to classical and Christian music, and caring for her family countless ways. Altye accepted Christ as her personal savior in her youth, was baptized, and trusted God through all of life's hills and valleys. Altye was raised in the Baptist faith, and following her marriage became a member of Linn A. M. Church in rural Roanoke. In 1972, she became a member of Cazenovia Mennonite Church in Cazenovia, IL, where she served faithfully through many years. Friends of all ages loved and respected her for her compassion, honesty, and wisdom, developed through many years of Bible study, and often turned to her for understanding and advice. Funeral services will be at 10:30 am Monday April 8, 2013, at Cazenovia Mennonite Church with Rev. Dennis Kennell officiating. Visitation will be Sunday April 7, 2013, from 4 pm until 7 pm at Maple Lawn Memorial Hall in Eureka and also one hour prior to services at church. A private graveside service will be in Stewart Harmony Cemetery in Metamora. Memorials may be to Cazenovia Mennonite Church and Maple Lawn Homes in Eureka. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com