Susan Renee Hostetler

Susan Renee (Weckerly) Hostetler, age 63, of Arlington, Texas passed away on November 28, 2020 after a lengthy struggle with chronic illness. Susan was born on August 25, 1957 to Gene and Carol (Hanson) Weckerly in Decatur, IL. The family moved west to Arcadia, CA where Susan spent her formative years in the California sun. She had wonderful memories of summers with her Grandma Edna and cousins in Wisconsin, as well as with her family friends in Newport Beach, CA. She graduated from Arcadia High School in 1975, where she was a state-champion swimmer and honor roll student. Susan attended college and reconnected with her childhood friend and future husband, Dave Hostetler, at the University of Southern California. They married on October 11, 1980 and celebrated their 40th anniversary this year. Together, they raised two sons - Brian (born 1983) and Kevin (born 1985).

In motherhood, Susan found her life’s true calling. She taught the masterclass of parenting, instilling in her children the values of kindness, diligence, curiosity, and love. Susan was the right kind of fun mom, taking the kids on wildly adventurous road trips and, notoriously, the occasional late night prank. The kids and all of their friends knew her as the unforgettable, hilarious, imaginative Susan, and she served as a second mom to many. She was dedicated to her boys with all of her living being. On any day, you would find Susan at Brian’s golf tournament in the morning and at Kevin’s choir concert at night. She was always everywhere, always present, and always dressed for the occasion.

Susan led an exciting life as a baseball wife, even if she didn’t particularly care for the sport. She attended hundreds of games to support Dave in his major league career and traveled with him extensively to stadiums around the country. Together, they lived in Canada, the Dominican Republic, Japan, and, ultimately, the bustling metropolis of Arlington, Texas, which they called home for the rest of her life. These experiences inspired her love of travel and food, especially trips to her favorite cities of Seattle and New York. A vacation with Susan guaranteed that you would eat at the best restaurants and return home 10 pounds heavier. Susan herself loved to cook. She had what seemed like every cookbook and watched every cooking show that had ever aired. Truly a fantastic chef, she still somehow managed to burn her pecan pie every Thanksgiving.

Susan had an impressive career of her own, or should we say numerous careers. Her curiosity led her to jobs in computer programming, life insurance, nutrition, and dental hygiene. Susan was an outstanding hygienist and loved talking to her patients about their lives. She used the same compassion she had as a mom and applied it to her patients.

Susan was outspoken in most aspects of her life, but she tended quietly to her faith. You didn’t hear her talk about her beliefs, but they were strongly in her heart. She attended Arlington 3rd Ward, Arlington Texas Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where she worshipped with some of her strongest supporters. Susan studied church teachings diligently and spoke about her faith often in her final days. Her family feels comfort knowing she is in the best of hands.

She is survived by her husband Dave Hostetler of Arlington, TX; son Brian Hostetler, wife Jennifer, and grandchildren Kaden and Cooper of Trophy Club, TX; son Kevin Hostetler and husband Joe Walker of Conneaut Lake, PA; mother Carol Hanson of Grand Junction, CO; father Gene Weckerly and wife Patricia of Arcadia, CA; brother David Weckerly, wife Sandra, and nieces and nephews Madison, Nicolas, Maxwell, Cameron, and Kate of Grand Junction, CO; and brother-in-law Dan Hostetler, wife Melinda, and nephews Erich, Kenny, Clint, their wives, and children of Southern California.

Due to COVID-19, a visitation will not be held at this time. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date to honor Susan’s remarkable life. Memories and expressions of sympathy for the Hostetler family may be shared at www.dignitymemorial.com. In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to help someone in need this holiday season or donate to your favorite charity.

To a fabulous, unforgettable, otherworldly woman.