William H. Hostetler of 4582 Sandy Lake Road, French Creek Township, passed away at 1:05 a.m. Thursday, May 1, 2008, in his residence surrounded by his family. He was 81.

Mr. Hostetler was born April 7, 1927, in Hartville, Ohio, a son of the late Henry and Fannie Yoder Hostetler.

On Nov. 4, 1950, he married the former Lydia C. Troyer, who preceded him in death May 29, 2006.

Mr. Hostetler had been a lifelong farmer. Having begun as a young man in his youth working with Albert Chenoweth, his enjoyment of farming was a passion that he had developed and had continued until the passing of his wife in 2006. He also had been employed by Channel Lock in Meadville for 23 years, having retired in 1989.

In addition to his love for farming and the enjoyment of nature, the time that he was able to spend with his family and friends were his number one priority as well as the moments he cherished most.

He was a member of Grace Mennonite Chapel, Hadley.

He is survived by: a daughter, Martha Hostetler and her husband Samuel E., Cochranton; three sons, Earl Hostetler and his wife Alta, North Vernon, Ind.; Ronald Hostetler, Sandy Lake; and William H. “Shortie” Hostetler Jr., Stoneboro; a brother, John Hostetler and his wife Erma, Cochranton; three sisters, Lizzie Weaver and her husband Walter, Sarasota, Fla.; Sarah Bontrager and her husband Harley, Indianapolis; and Mary Stutzman and her husband Henry, Sandy Lake; two sisters-in-law, Sarah Hostetler, Hartville; and Esther Hostetler, Cochranton; and 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 55 years; three brothers, Henry Hostetler Jr., Vernon Hostetler and Elmer Hostetler; a great-granddaughter, Sierra Zook; and a nephew, Harley “Butch” Bontrager.

HOSTETLER

William H., 81, of 4582 Sandy Lake Road, French Creek Township.

Calling hours: Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday (5-3-08) in ROBERT L. SNYDER FUNERAL HOME Ltd.., 3223 Perry Highway, Sheakleyville. Condolences may be posted online at www.rlsfh.com.

Service: Funeral service at 10 a.m. Sunday (5-4-08) in Pleasantview Conservative Mennonite Church, County Line Road, Cochranton, with ministers Vernon Hostetler Jr., Samuel E. Hostetler and Elmer Hostetler Jr. co-officiating.

Burial: Following at Maple Grove Amish Mennonite Cemetery, Deer Creek Township.