Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Birdeen Sweet-Hostler
FUNERAL HOME
UPCOMING SERVICE
Birdeen Sweet-Hostler Obituary
KENDALLVILLE - Birdeen Sweet-Hostler, 88, of Kendallville, Indiana, passed away at her home on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025.
She was born on May 29, 1937, in Zag, Morgan County, Kentucky, to Henry and Clella (Peyton) Rigsby.
Birdeen lived most of her life in LaGrange and Noble counties.
She worked as a housekeeper and in several local factories over the years.
A longtime member of Woodruff Grove Church in rural Wolcottville, she was always eager to help with church dinners, sales, and other events. In recent years, she was a devoted member of First Christian Church in Kendallville.
On March 3, 2003, in Palmetto, Florida, she married Larry D. Sweet; he preceded her in death on Sept. 29, 2018.
She later married Robert Hostler on Nov. 14, 2020, in Kendallville, Indiana; he survives.
Also surviving is her daughter, Tonya (Mike) Murray, of Garrett, Indiana; stepchildren, Paula Sweet, of Howe, Indiana, Scott (Sandee) Sweet, of Sturgis, Michigan, Ed (Marlene) Sweet, of Avon, Indiana, Andrew (Rhonda) Hostler, of Rome City, Indiana, and Travis (Lisa) Hostler, of Kendallville, Indiana; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a brother, Kenneth (Martha) Rigsby, of Avilla, Indiana.
Preceding her in death, along with her parents and first husband, were two sons, Rodney Johnson and Rory Johnson; six sisters, Elizabeth Johnson, Martha Longardner, Silva Martin, Barbara Smith, Janet Miller and Mae Belvin; and five brothers, Michael Rigsby, Victor Rigsby, Ray Rigsby, Harold Rigsby and Ted Rigsby.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, at 11 a.m., at First Christian Church, 110 W. Waits Road, Kendallville, IN 46755, with Pastor David Gruber and Michael DiSanto officiating.
Burial will follow at Woodruff Cemetery in rural Wolcottville, Indiana.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, from 3-7 p.m., at Frurip-May Funeral Home, 309 W. Michigan St., LaGrange, Indiana.
Memorials may be made to First Christian Church.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.fruripmayfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Birdeen Sweet-Hostler
Nov
25
Memories and Condolences
for Birdeen Sweet-Hostler
Sponsored by Frurip-May Funeral Home.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Birdeen Sweet-Hostler's name
How to support Birdeen's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Birdeen Sweet-Hostler's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
