Arletah A. Hochstetler

Arletah Ann Hochstetler, age 86 of Elkhart, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 18, 2025. Arletah was born May 6, 1939, in Mishawaka, Indiana, to the late Wilbur and Regena (Yoder) Yeakey. She was a graduate of Mishawaka High School and later met the love of her life, Raymond Hochstetler. Ray and Arletah were married on March 4, 1961, and together shared 64 years of love, laughter, and friendship.

For over 17 years, Arletah served as the secretary at Jamestown United Methodist Church, where she faithfully supported the ministry and its families. She was also an active member of the church’s Women’s Society, a devoted attender, and found joy in helping with funeral dinners following services. Her life reflected a quiet faith lived out in kindness and service to others.

Arletah loved to sew and quilt and was known for being a wonderful cook. Her butterscotch tapioca pudding was a family favorite, remembered and requested often. She also enjoyed traveling with Ray, with one of their most cherished adventures being a train trip to Washington. Those who knew her best described her as easygoing, kind, generous and always ready to help anyone in need.

She is survived by her husband, Ray, and their children: Pamela Hochstetler, Paula LaPlace, Patricia “Patti” Hochstetler, and David (Kris) Hochstetler. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Zacharie (Kelsey) LaPlace, Regena (Kyle) Price, Brian (Elayne) Hochstetler, and Aaron Hochstetler; four great-grandchildren: Raelee and Jaxon LaPlace, and Aggie and Amelia Price; and her sister, Charlene (Michael) DeNeve. She was preceded in death by her infant son, Brian, her brothers, Arthur, Virgil, and Robert Yeakey; and her son-in-law, David LaPlace.

Visitation will be held from 4–7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola. There will also be an hour of visitation prior to the 11:00 am funeral service on Thursday, September 25, 2025, also at the funeral home, with private interment to follow in Oak Park Cemetery, Ligonier, Indiana.

We invite those unable to attend in person to join us for a livestream of the funeral service, so everyone can honor and remember Arletah together by viewing her service in real time in the window below. 

In her memory, donations may be given to the Jamestown United Methodist Church. To light a virtual candle, share a story of Arletah’s life, or leave a message of comfort for her family, please follow the links provided on the guestbook tab above.

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