Helen Koontz Hottel

A daughter of the late Roy Lee and Elsie Decker Koontz, she was born on July 6, 1927, in Rockingham County. She had made her home in Dayton since 1951 moving from Bridgewater.

Helen graduated from Bridgewater High School and received her B.S. and M.S degrees from JMU. She was employed with the Rockingham County School System where she was a teacher at Dayton Elementary, John Wayland and Wilbur Pence Middle schools.

After retiring from teaching, she was employed by the Virginia Employment Commission for 22 years.

She was a member of Dayton United Methodist Church where she was Director of the Children’s and the Youth Bell Choir for many years. She was a member of the Chancel Choir and Adult Bell Choir and a member of the Shenandoah Valley Chapter #76 Order of the Eastern Star for over 50 years. Mrs. Hottel was also a career long member of the Rockingham County Education Association and the National Education Association.

On August 28, 1948 she married Ray S. Hottel, Jr. whom preceded her in death on February 13, 2004.

She is survived by one son, Robert Kenneth Hottel and wife Sandra of Rockingham; one daughter, Sharon Rae Hottel of PA; two grandchildren, Joel Lee Hottel and Meredith Durham; one step-granddaughter, Pamela Neal; and four great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband she is preceded in death by one brother, Robert L. Koontz.

A memorial service will be held at 7:00 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at Dayton United Methodist Church with Rev. Steve Bird officiating. The family will receive friends following the memorial service at the church.

Burial will be private.

Mrs. Hottel requested that any memorial contributions be made to a charity of choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lindseyharrisonburg.com

Arrangements are being handled at Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.