Obituary of Sarah Martha Hochstetler
Sarah Martha Hochstetler (87) passed away at Valley Vista Care Center on May 2, 2019. She was born to James and Martha Taylor on March 5, 1932 in Manizales, Columbia where her parents were missionaries. In 1936 her mother, who was expecting her sixth child, returned to Los Angeles with the children after Sarah’s father died from blood poisoning. In 1950 Sarah graduated from Hoover High School in San Diego, CA. Following high school, she eventually went to work for Uniroyal Tire Company in the footwear division, where she worked for 22 years.
In 1953, Sarah met Bill Hochstetler at a Bible camp in Minnesota. The couple married on June 11, 1955 in San Diego, CA and had two boys, Bill Jr in 1959, and David in 1961. In 1982 Bill and Sarah quit their jobs and moved to Jamaica to manage Ocean View Bible Camp. They managed the camp for 10 years before returning to the United States. In Jamaica Sarah was active with women’s and children’s Bible classes, distributing used clothing, and the many other duties that come with being a missionary. Upon their return, Bill and Sarah traveled across the United States and Canada speaking at many churches. In 1996, they moved to St. Maries. They continued their missionary travels until Sarah’s declining health forced them to stop. Sarah loved to listen to Gospel music and traveling and looking at scenery. She also dearly loved and was proud of her grandchildren; Sasha, Daniel, and David Jr.
Sarah is survived by her husband of 63 years Bill, of St. Maries; son Bill Jr and his wife Claire, of El Dorado Hills, CA; son Dave and his wife Dianne of Castro Valley, CA; brother Roland Taylor of Beaumont, CA; sisters Evelyn Pelley and Priscilla Slominsky both of Claremont, CA; 2 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother James Taylor, sister Mildred Warner, and grandson David Hochstetler.
A funeral service will be Friday, May 10, 2019 at 11:00 am at Hodge Funeral Home in St. Maries. Graveside services will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery with a Gathering of Family and Friends following graveside services at the Community Presbyterian Church.
