Rosemary Oesch Hostetler

Rosemary Oesch Hostetler of Bellingham, Washington, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2025, at the age of 100, surrounded by her three children, David, Susan, and Timothy. She was an inspirational mother, grandmother, and friend whose life embodied compassion, hard work, and an abiding belief in the goodness of humanity.

Born on a farm near Bristol, Indiana, on April 6, 1925, to William and Elva Oesch, Rosemary grew up in a household rooted in education, faith, and community service. Her father, a Mennonite minister, and her mother, a teacher, were both Goshen College graduates who instilled in her a lifelong love of learning. Active in high school journalism, music, and cheerleading, Rosemary met her future husband, Delvin ("Del") Hostetler, when he accidentally stepped on her foot during a basketball game - a moment that sparked a lifelong partnership.

Rosemary attended Purdue University beginning in 1942, majoring in Home Economics. While there, she edited and appeared in the university's Master Mix marketing bulletin (substitute for Bisquick) and worked at the local radio station in West Lafayette.

In 1946, after Del's return from World War II, the couple married and settled in LaPorte, Indiana, where they raised three children. Rosemary was deeply engaged in civic life-helping launch the local Head Start program, volunteering as a literacy instructor at the nearby prison, and championing education and civic participation through the League of Women Voters and the American Association of University Women. She also hosted a morning talk show on WLOI Radio in the late 1970s, interviewing women who were shaping their community.

Rosemary broke new ground as the first woman president of the LaPorte School Board, serving two terms and guiding the district through a challenging teacher strike in the early 1970s. She later became Director of Volunteer and Community Relations at LaPorte Hospital, retiring in 1988.

Following retirement, Rosemary and Del traveled widely in their Winnebago before moving to Bellingham in 1997 to be closer to family. There, she continued to volunteer with the League of Women Voters, AAUW, and Maple Alley Inn's community meal program, always radiating her characteristic optimism and civic spirit.

She often told loved ones, "It was my joy." For those who knew her, these hundred years were our joy.

Rosemary is survived by her children David (Ellyn Murphy) and Timothy (Janet McLeod) Hostetler of Bellingham; Susan Hostetler (Lelei LeLaulu) of Bethesda, Maryland; grandchildren Kasey Hostetler (Jon Nichols), Kelly Koster (Brand Koster), and Blaise LeLaulu (Eryn Croft); great-granddaughters Romy and Rowan; and many dear friends. She was predeceased by her husband of nearly 60 years, Delvin, and grandson Bellini.