Alma Louise Hostetler, 97, of Harper, Kansas died Saturday, December 21, 2024 at Harper, Kansas.  Alma was born October 12, 1927 at Protection, Kansas.  She was the second of three daughters born to Ora and Mabel Baker.  Alma attended Collier Flats Grade School, Protection High School, and graduated from Hesston Academy in 1945.  On January 31, 1946, she was united in marriage to Albert Hostetler in her parents' home.  They made their home on farms west of Harper, Kansas all their married life.  Albert preceded Alma in death on January 28, 2002, just a few days before their 56th wedding anniversary.  This marriage was blessed with five children: Anita, Wesley, Curtis, Vincent, and Monte.

Alma had a happy childhood growing up on a farm with loving parents and sisters close in age.  Jesus Christ was a prominent part of their home, and Alma accepted Jesus as her personal savior as a young teenager.  She became a member of the Protection Mennonite Church and then the Pleasant Valley Mennonite Church.  Alma was very active in meeting at church weekly for sewing and quilting and was known for her craftsmanship.  She frequently was a Sunday School teacher, Bible School teacher, and Sunday School superintendent.  She was a member of the Octad Pitch Club and consistently participated in EHU (Extension Homemakers Units).

Alma and Albert were well matched and had a joyful relationship, with Alma devoting much of her life to raising her family.  Alma was a farm wife with many skills, including cooking, sewing, gardening, and entertaining.  Her good meals rewarded hard work on the farm.  Alma was gifted as a mother and grandmother, always showing loving care while modeling Christian character and values.  She found great joy throughout her years in knowing and interacting with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Preceding Alma in death were her husband, parents, and a sister, Elsie Hostetler.  She is survived by daughter Anita Coulter, Wichita, Kansas, and sons: Wesley (Marilyn), Wichita, Curtis (Bobbie), Harper, Vincent (Pam), Harper, and Monte (Rebecca), Pratt, Kansas.  Grandchildren include Dr. Justin (Danita) Reed, Julie (James) Smith, Ginger (Adam) Wright, Niki (Brian) Gehring, Priscilla (Mike) Allred, Emilee (Mick) McGuire, Nathan Hostetler, Sara Hostetler, Corbin (Megan) Hostetler, Spencer Hostetler, Regan (Ashley) Hostetler, Samantha (Josh) West, Aaron (Audrey) Schule, Dustin Schule, Maddi (Mark) Farmer, Dr Jacob (Vicky) Hostetler, Monica (Jordan) Crandall, Rhett (Reighn) Hostetler, and Dr. Grayson (Kyndal) Hostetler, 40 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, sister Virginia (Sanford) Oyer, and many other relatives and friends.

Friends may view and register Thursday, December 26, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home with family present to receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

A private family interment will be held at the Pleasant Valley Mennonite Cemetery.

Memorial Service is 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 27, 2024 at Pleasant Valley Mennonite Church, Harper with Pastor Royce Vogt officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in memory of Alma to Pleasant Valley Mennonite Church and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W 14th St. ~ Harper, Kansas  67058