Shirley Ann Hostetler

Shirley Ann Hostetler, formerly of Meyersdale, went to be with her Lord on February 18, 2023 at Yakima, Washington, where she had been living by her family. Shirley was born on June 30, 1931 in Greenville Township, the daughter of the late Carl Eugene and Florence (Shunk) Hostetler. She is survived by her brother, Dale Hostetler, (Dorothy), a nephew, Daniel Hostetler and a niece Aimee Hostetler, all of Yakima, Washington.

Shirley’s early elementary education was at the Glade City two room school followed by four years at Meyersdale High School.

She obtained a B.S. degree in Music Education from Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC. and played the piano, organ and other instruments. She also had a Master’s Degree in Library Science from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and attended two summer schools at Indiana, Univ. in Indiana, PA.

Shirley retired as a school teacher having completed 32 years of teaching music and library Science in various schools in the surrounding area. She was a life member of both the PA Association of School Retirees and the Somerset County Retired Public School Employees.

Being a charter member of the Meyersdale Grace Brethren Church, Shirley was very active serving her Savior through the years by holding various offices, teaching an adult Sunday School class, singing in and directing the church choir, playing the piano and organ, and serving as a Deaconess for many years as well as other areas. She loved serving her Lord with her talents. “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain” Phil. 1:21.

She was a charter member of the Casselman Valley Choral Society, involved in the Maple Festival, organist at the United Church of Christ for 15 years and an R.S.V.P. volunteer for the Apprise program with the Area Agency on Aging for 15 years.

One of the things Shirley loved to do during retirement was to travel. She fulfilled that dream by traveling extensively in the U.S. as well as in Europe, Iberian Peninsula, the Caribbean many times, Bermuda, Nassau, Mexico, Israel, Canada and Russia.

The following poem was one of many that Shirley wrote. It, along with many others, was published in the Poetry Corner of the Somerset Daily American:

No Time For Him

In youth we had a lot of time

To wonder, play, explore.

But now that we are growing old,

Where is that time of yore?

When we were not yet fully grown,

The cares of life were small.

We worried not about our needs,

Or whether we’d stand tall.

Why have we not the time anymore,

To read God’s Word and Pray?

Because we worry, fret and fume

About a future day.

We have to give the Lord each day

His time for thanks and praise.

If faith takes over in our hearts,

Our fears will be allayed.

Why can’t we learn to put aside

This life of care and woe?

And through the righteousness of Christ,

Our love for Him to show.

Take time, dear friend, to do His will

Upon this earth below.

And when He greets you up above,

“Well done, my son”, you’ll know.

Graveside services will be conducted on February 28, 2023 at 11:00 AM, at Meyersdale Area Union Cemetery. Pastor Randy Haulk of the Meyersdale Grace Brethren Church officiating.

Contributions may be made to the Meyersdale Grace Brethren Church, 112 Beachley Street, Meyersdale, PA 15552.

Condolences may be sent to the family in care of M. Ray Leckemby Funeral Home, 203 North Street, Meyersdale, PA 15552

Arrangements made by M. Ray Leckemby Funeral Home, Meyersdale, PA.