Elder Ronald R. Hostettler, age 70, of Ingraham, IL passed away at 3:10 AM on Sunday, March 03, 2013 at his home in Ingraham.

Ron was born on February 3, 1943 in Ingraham, IL to Harold and Marguarite (O’Dell) Hostettler. He married Eva K. Brooks on April 7, 1963 in Hoosier Prairie, IL.

Ron was raised on a farm and during his life he enjoyed hunting and other outdoor activities along with gardening and watching and feeding birds. He always had an appreciation of God’s creation of nature. Ron was saved at the age of 9 at a youth camp and was called to preach at age 15. This led to 45 years of ministry at 5 churches: Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Wabash Baptist Church, Bloom Baptist Church, and Ingraham Baptist Church. Ron made a lifetime commitment to children and youth activities, especially to the Olney Baptist Associational Camp, and was always ministering and encouraging young people to be the best they could be. Ron also worked as a mechanic for the local John Deere dealer for 42 years.

He is survived by his wife: Eva Hostettler of Ingraham, IL; children: Ronda K. (Allen) Utley of Plato, MO, Lonnie R. (Sherylynn) Hostettler of Flora, Theron W. (Joyce R.) Hostettler of Newton, Patrick H. Hostettler of Ingraham, Jeremy L. (Stephani) Hostettler of Hermitage, MO; brothers and sisters: Kenneth (Evelyn) Hostettler of Clay City, Marilyn (Carl) Cox of Flora, Joyce (the late Buddy) Stockwell of Wheeler, Garry Hostettler of Ingraham; 12 grandchildren: Allen Utley Jr., Matthew Hostettler, Tiffany Hostettler, Dustin Utley, Kelsie Hostettler, Kiana Hostettler, Lauren Davis, Austin Hostettler, Sadi Hostettler, Makayla Hostettler, Grayce Hostettler, Peyton Hostettler; and 1 great-grandchild: Taylor Utley. He is also survived by aunts, cousins, brother and sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and 3 grandchildren (Nathan, Jordan, and Clayton Hostettler).

The funeral service for Elder Ronald Hostettler will be conducted at 10:30 AM on Friday, March 8, 2013 at the Ingraham Baptist Church with Jeremy Hostettler, Elder Garry Hostettler, and Elder Jim Beam officiating. Burial will follow in the Ingraham Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5-8 PM on Thursday, March 7, at the Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Olney Baptist Camp or to the Ingraham Baptist Church and those donations will be accepted at the funeral home.