Barbara Hostetler

February 7, 1931 — February 15, 2024

DECATUR –Barbara Marimon Hostetler, 93, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2024.

Barbara was born in Evanston, Illinois, on February 7, 1931, the daughter of Bartlett S. Marimon and Laura (Neet) Marimon. She graduated from Northbrook High School in 1948 and subsequently attended Lake Forest College before transferring to the University of Illinois where she graduated in 1952.

Barbara met her future husband, Thomas K. Hostetler of Decatur at the U of I and they were married on August 16, 1952.

Barbara and Tom settled down in Decatur where she promptly was involved in the community. She was a member of the Decatur Memorial Hospital Auxiliary where she chaired Fun Fair in 1959. She was a lifetime member of Junior Welfare Association and instrumental in the restoration of the James Millikin Homestead. Barbara was a founding member of the Arts Council and participated as Picture Lady. Her children enjoyed her leadership as a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader. She was a long time member of First Presbyterian Church and served as an elder. In more recent years, Barbara joined Chapter BC, PEO.

Tom and Barbara greatly enjoyed their membership at the Country Club of Decatur and Laurel Oak Country Club in Sarasota, Florida, where they spent their winters. She was a rare golfer in that she was pretty well satisfied with her game, only giving it up after her second hip replacement. Recently, watching a tournament where the pros were having some issues on the green, she noted that she could putt better than they were. When it was suggested that the greens were probably a bit more difficult than average, she responded “Well, I was always a good putter!” Point taken! She and Dad enjoyed many foursomes with other couples, and they could usually be found in the grill room afterwards most Sundays during the season in Decatur.

She was a well-practiced hostess and liked nothing better than planning out her next gathering. As a family we benefitted from some great meals due to her desire to come up with the just the right menu for her guests. New recipes were subjected to many test runs, most of them delicious. She kept a diary which ultimately contained almost every cocktail and dinner event for 50+ years, including the full menu, the attendees and, in some cases, the perfected recipes. She didn’t want her guests to have to experience too many repeats.

At some point she managed to have enough time to become a prolific needlepoint expert. There’s a wide-ranging collection of seat covers, pillows and framed pieces scattered about. She was probably not thrilled with her son’s transfer to Illinois from Northwestern as she had almost completed the seal of the latter in a lovely white and purple. Its whereabouts are unknown, but the completed Illinois seal remains.

Barbara had many good friends. She was a compassionate listener, a loyal confidant, a good-natured soul. While very social, she was also perfectly happy to grab a good book, spend a few moments at the piano playing a couple of her favorites or working in her garden (which was overwhelming in scope at the home on Monroe Street).

As to her children, she introduced them to everything, but was supportive and enthusiastic about whatever choices they made. In short, she was a great Mom. We were fortunate to have her in our lives for so long.

Barbara is survived by her daughter Anne of Decatur, son Tom (Mega) of Atlanta, Georgia, and three grandchildren, Laura (Trent) Gilbert, Mathew, and Erin. Laura and Trent have given her four great grandchildren, Avery, Nicole, Austin, and Henry. Niece Barbara Beard of Sarasota and her two daughters, Lauren and Cassie (Tony) Henning, and nephew James (CG) Kauffmann, also of Sarasota, and their two sons, Bart and James (Amanda), also survive.

Barbara was pre-deceased by her husband, Tom, her parents, her sister, Anne and her niece, Laura.

Private graveside services will be held at a future date. Memorials may be made to Kemmerer Village, Assumption, Illinois or First Presbyterian Church, Decatur, Illinois.

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Barbara Hostetler

February 7, 1931 — February 15, 2024

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