Norma Jean (Keller) Hostetler

Norma Jean Hostetler, 94, of Orange, California, passed away on Saturday June 4th, 2022. Jean was born in Louisville, Kentucky on May 9th, 1928. She was the daughter of Clarence Keller and Eddie Rose Cecil. Jean was raised on a farm with an older brother Edwin and younger siblings Bob, Joe and Brenda.

Jean’s first job was at the Nicholson Hotel at 15 years of age in Louisville, Kentucky. Jean graduated from Fern Creek High School in 1946 with the ambition to work in an office during World War II.

Jean met the love of her life on August 7th, 1949 while she was working as the hostess at the American Legion Club. Jean married Ken Hostetler on September 22nd 1951, they were married 68 years until Kenneth’s death in 2019. Together Jean and Ken moved to San Antonio, Texas for a short while and then settled in Orange County, CA to raise their two sons Steve and Scott.

In Orange County, CA Jean alongside Ken, started 7 Taco Bell franchise stores. Having a very successful business they retired early and started to travel. Together they lived full time in a motorhome so they could travel comfortably. Jean was an active leader in their motorhome club and organized the annual trips to Quartzsite, Az. Together they traveled to many places not limited to South Africa, Taiwan, China, Canada, Alaska, Galapagos Islands and over 200 national parks.

In addition to traveling Jean enjoyed gardening, crocheting, and crafting. She crocheted and donated hundreds of hats for the premature babies in the hospital. She also was a part of the Soroptimist International Club of Orange County. With the Soroptimist club, she volunteered her time to organize fundraisers, volunteered weekly at a church to give clothes to those who were in need.

She is survived by her younger brother Joe; her children Steve and Scott; her grandchildren Eric, Jill, Kenton and Sarah and her great grandchildren Michael, Aidan and Makenna.

A visitation for Norma will be held Monday, June 20, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Fairhaven Memorial Park Mortuary, 1702 Fairhaven Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705, followed by a funeral service from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.fairhavenmemorial.com for the Hostetler family.