Obituary: Margaret Louise Hostetler

Margaret Louise Hostetler, known as “Margie” to family and friends, passed peacefully from this earth to her heavenly home on Friday, Dec. 12, 2014 at the age of 97. She is survived by her daughter Judith Austin of Denton, Texas, seven grandchildren: Michelle McGrath; Beth Mathews and husband Gary; David Austin and wife Lisa; Donald Austin and wife Paige; Christopher Van Horn and wife Heidi; Matt Van Horn and wife Yuri; Nick Van Horn and wife Michelle, and 20 great-grandchildren.

Margie was born on Dec. 6, 1917 in Waterloo, Iowa to Novella and Walter Kendall. She is preceded in death by her mother, her father, her sister Beverly Kerr, her brother Ronald Kendall, her daughter Sandra Van Horn, and her son Robert Hostetler; in addition, her first husband, Joe Morrison, with whom she had daughters Sandy and Judy, and her second husband, Robert Hostetler, who was the father of Robert Kendall Hostetler, also preceded her in death.

While growing up in Iowa, Margie loved to ride horses. She received her first horse from her father at age 4 and taught riding lessons as a teen. She graduated from West High School in 1935 and went on to complete courses at a local business college. In 1962, Margie and her family moved to Orlando, Florida. She learned to play golf and became quite proficient, even enjoying the game until her early 90s. Margie was also a talented seamstress, making beautiful home décor and clothing for her family. She read books voraciously, including both fiction and non-fiction titles. As a mother, Margie nurtured her children’s interests in music and art. Sandy pursued acting, Judi sang and played the piano, and Robert developed his artistic abilities.

While living in Orlando, Margie served as the personal assistant for Jeannette McKean, co-founder of the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park, which is well-known for its extensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s works. She stayed in this position for over 30 years until Mrs. McKean’s death, when she continued her affiliation with the museum by working as a receptionist and docent for many years.

Margie encouraged others to enjoy life, for “we don’t know what tomorrow will bring.” Memorials may be made to the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in honor of Margaret Hostetler at: 445 North Park Avenue; Winter Park, FL 32789.