Susan Hostetter, 86

Born to hopeful parents, Susan Hostetter was the light in her mother Edith’s, eyes. Raised by a logger and a line cook, Susan spent most of her childhood in Darrington, WA with stints in Arcata, CA and Bryson City, NC, when her father (Horace McCracken) followed the logging jobs.

She spoke fondly of so many of her childhood friends, June, Sally, Sherrill, Marjorie, and Betty Sue from Darrington, and remained life-long friends with college roommates, Barb, Richelle, and Shirley. Her parents were filled with pride as she graduated high school, the first in her family to do so, and was off to attend Central Washington Teachers’ College to pursue a degree in elementary education.

An Easter Seals summer camp job was where she met her life partner, Bob. He doted on her from the start. Their first date was on her birthday, and from that point on, he treated her like every day was her birthday. Susan was stronger and much more talented than she gave herself credit for, often sacrificing her own interests and needs for those of her family. She put her own teaching career on hold to support and encourage Bob as he pursued a doctoral degree. She often joked that while he earned his EdD she earned her “PHT – Putting Husband Through.” Before taking a teaching job in Gig Harbor, Susan was the church secretary for the Gig Harbor United Methodist Church, where she and Bob enjoyed membership for over six decades.

When both of her daughters (Connie and Karen) were in school, Susan went to work in the Peninsula School District, where she enjoyed a long career at Harbor Heights, Artondale and Minter Creek Elementary Schools. The example she set of a caring and compassionate teacher rubbed off on both Connie and Karen, who continue to enjoy careers in education. One of many activities she looked forward to each year was the faculty Christmas gatherings with her Artondale teacher and staff friends. Her decorating skills made for warm Christmas memories. More than decorating, Susan was a talented seamstress and quilter, sewing the bride’s maid dresses for Connie’s wedding, and making beautiful table runners and quilts for friends and family members over the years. So devoted to her girls and to sewing was she, one Christmas she sewed Barbie clothes for the girls’ dolls!

One of her favorite pastimes was time spent with her granddaughters, Hannah and Alex. When she no longer was sewing for her daughters, Hannah and Alex were blessed with many outfits made by Susan, with love. Susan had a quiet strength, fueled by prayer. Both Connie and Karen benefitted from her prayers by finding supportive, loving spouses (Tim and Brandy, respectively). Susan prayed their spouses would be as supportive and devoted to them as Bob was to her.

Susan is survived by daughters Connie (Tim) and Karen (Brandy) Hostetter, and beautiful granddaughters, Hannah and Alex. She was preceded in death by her parents, Horace (1992) and Edith (1995), and her loving husband, Bob (2022).

Always happy to be at Bob’s side no matter the occasion, she enjoyed visiting with friends, RVing and serving as park hosts at Olympic and Big Bend National Parks, and the San Antonio Missions. Even in her final months, she enjoyed warm visits with long-time friends, Dave & Judy, Jim & Kay, and her dearest vacation companion, Barb. Karen once asked what her “dream vacation” was, to which Susan responded, “Wherever your dad wants to go – I just enjoy being with him.” Susan now enjoys eternal rest with her best friend, Bob, at Tahoma National Cemetery.

A special thank you to the owners and staff at Ascension Adult Family Home for the care they provided both Bob and Susan in their final months.

A memorial service will be held later this year to celebrate her wonderful life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the National Parks or Special Olympics of Washington.