Eloise Ann Hostetler, 84
Eloise Ann Hostetler, age 84, was born on April 22, 1942, in Walnut Creek,
Ohio, and passed away to be with her Lord on July 19, 2026, at The Homestead at GentleBrook in
Hartville, Ohio.
Eloise was raised on a family farm near Walnut Creek, where she developed a lifelong love for the
outdoors and an appreciation for God’s creation. As a young woman, she enjoyed sewing, baking,
growing beautiful flowers, and was actively involved in her local 4-H program. Her greatest passion,
however, was music. A gifted pianist, Eloise used her talents throughout her life to glorify God and bless
others. In her later years, she found joy in creating beautifully colored pencil artwork and balsa wood
carvings, often sharing inspirational cards and handcrafted gifts with family and friends. Her thoughtful
creations brought encouragement and smiles to many.
A proud member of the Hiland High School Class of 1960, Eloise met her high school sweetheart, Dwane,
during her school years. Their love story grew into a marriage that spanned 65 wonderful years, marked
by faith, devotion, and unwavering commitment.
Eloise made her home in Barberton for 30 years, Clinton for 28 years, and spent her final two years as a
resident of The Homestead at GentleBrook in Hartville, where she was lovingly cared for.
Her faith was the foundation of her life. Eloise faithfully served as organist and pianist at Barberton
Evangelical Friends Church for 40 years, using her musical gifts in worship ministry. She was currently a
member of The Chapel in Green, where she attended the Bound for Glory Adult Bible Fellowship class.
She was also an active member of The Gideons International Auxiliary, supporting the ministry’s mission
of sharing God’s Word around the world.
Eloise dedicated 34 years of service to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of
Watercraft, as an account clerk. During her career, she worked at Portage Lakes State Park, the former
Quail Hollow State Park, and Wingfoot State Park, retiring from Wingfoot in 2012.
Preceded in death by her beloved parents Cloyse and Alice (Weaver) Hershberger; She is survived by her
loving husband of 65 years Dwane; sons Stacy (Teresa) of N. Canton and Jeremy (Melissa) of Ft. Wayne,
IN; daughter Alicia (Dr. Randall) Starcher of Hartville; grandchildren Alexander and Alanna Hostetler,
Zachary (Emma) Starcher, Dr. Nathaniel (Madeline) Starcher, Benjamin (Paula) Starcher, Matthew
(Grace) Starcher, Leah Starcher, Makenna (Jacob) Kydd and Megan Hostetler; brother Stanley
Hershberger of Walnut Creek; and sister Gwen (Arlen) Miller of Grove City, OH.
Eloise will be remembered for her gentle spirit, steadfast faith, servant’s heart, musical talent, artistic
creativity, and the love she so freely shared with her family, friends, and church community. Her legacy
of faith and kindness will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Eloise’s Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at the Silva-Hostetler
Funeral Home, 1199 Wooster Rd. West, Barberton. Pastor Happy Peterson officiating. Calling hours will
be from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Burial to follow at Martins Creek Church Cemetery in Millersburg,
OH. To share a memory or send a condolence, please visit www.silva-hostetler.com
