Ella Jean Hochstedler, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on October 10, 2025, at 8:27 am, surrounded by family and love.
She was born on March 11, 1935, in Mt. Vernon, Kentucky, to the late Pleasant and Buliah Hurd. On April 30, 1954, she married Percy Hochstedler, and they were married for 67 years.
Ella Jean was a pillar of strength, love, and quiet wisdom. To her family and to everyone fortunate enough to know her, she was more than a grandmother--she was a guiding light, a safe harbor, and the warmest heart in every room. She was "grandma" not just to her own, but to many--welcoming all with open arms, a warm meal, and a kind word. Her legacy lives on in the skills she passed down, the values she instilled, and the countless lives she touched with her unwavering kindness.
Ella Jean dedicated her life to her family and home. A devoted homemaker, she found immense joy in the simple, meaningful rhythms of daily life--preparing home-cooked meals, baking warm treats from scratch, tending to her garden, and preserving the harvest through canning. Her kitchen was always filled with the comforting aromas of something delicious in the making, and her pantry was a treasure of lovingly prepared jams, preserves, and vegetables.
Ella Jean's garden was her sanctuary, a place where she nurtured plants and peace. Her hands, often busy in the soil or at the stove, were also quick to comfort and care for others. She had a quiet strength and an unwavering commitment to those she loved.
She is survived by her daughter, Juanita Joan (Michael) Moss; granddaughters, April (Devin Cole) Toy and Amanda (Bryan) McKinney; grandsons, Michael (Jessica) Moss, II, and Nicholas (Amanda Baker) Moss; great-granddaughters, Alexandra (Tracy) King, Bayli (Blake Thompson) Toy, Karsyn Cole, Allyssa (Reid) Cox, Addison McKinney, Savanna Schamber, and Alexis Moss; great-great-grandchildren, Cayen King, Nathan King, Riot King, and Ella Cox; sister, Julie Hurd; brother, Pleasant (Pam) Hurd, Jr.; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Percy Hochstedler; son, Percy (Jae) Hochstedler; siblings, Charles Hurd, Melvin Hurd, Juanita Laypoole, Bethada Rheam, and James Hurd; and dearly loved grandson-in-law, Nathan Toy.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests sharing a homemade meal with someone you love just as she would have done. Her recipes live on, her garden still grows, and her love continues to nourish us all.
Visitation is from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Ella Jean's life will begin at 1:00 pm. Rev. Dr. Tom Mansbarger will be officiating with burial taking place at Grant Memorial Park.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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