Debra Ann Hostetler, 64, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026, in the arms of her husband Gabe. Debbie had recently entered hospice care after a nearly 15-year-long battle with ovarian cancer.
Debbie was born on January 11, 1962, to John and Iva (Kauffman) Geiser in Ionia, Michigan. When she was just a toddler, Debbie moved with her family to Kidron, Ohio. Debbie graduated from Waynedale High School in 1980. She graduated magna cum laude with a double major in Computer Science and Mathematics from the then-named Malone College in 1984. It was at Malone that Debbie met her future husband Gabe Hostetler. They fell in love and married in April 1988. They remained happily married for 37 years. Debbie was the love of Gabe’s life.
Debbie had several occupations during her lifetime, but her favorite was working as a Billing Specialist at Wooster Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine in Wooster, where she was referred to as Debra. On her last day of employment, Debra received her award for 15 years of service at the company Christmas banquet. Shortly thereafter she became hospitalized and unable to return to work. Debbie loved her co-workers, and they loved her. Debbie’s family is so appreciative of the love, gifts and support she received from her WOSMC family that continued even after she was no longer an employee.
Perhaps Debbie’s greatest achievement was her courageous 15-year battle with recurring ovarian cancer. During her fight, she also faced additional major diagnoses and treatments: yet Debbie never complained about what she had to endure. Her oncology team was amazed at her grace and determination to fight.
While in remission, Debbie enjoyed the long road trips that her family took to visit US national parks, in addition to a trip to Newfoundland, Canada. She enjoyed observing and photographing wildlife, waterfalls and other natural features. Debbie’s family enjoyed taking lengthy hikes, often over rugged mountainous terrain. She never met a stranger on the trails, often stopping to engage in conversation with people she had just met. Debbie had such an open and friendly face that everywhere she went, people wanted to approach and interact with her. Debbie taught herself to become a talented photographer.. She took thousands of photos on these family vacations. As her health declined, Debbie set her camera aside and became an avid reader of historical fiction, and she enjoyed listening to music.
Debbie devoted her life to caring for and loving her family and pets. She treasured her dogs and cats through the years. A special cat, Sierra, formed a unique bond with Debbie. For years, Sierra slept with Debbie. During Debbie’s last days, Sierra hardly left her side.
Debbie adored her two children, Isaac and Jasmine, and her husband Gabe. Her greatest desire was to see her family happy, and Debbie did whatever she could to make that happen. She lived a life of sacrificial love, always putting the needs and interests of her family ahead of her own. During her final days whenever one of her family would give Debbie a gentle hug and say, “I love you,” Debbie, in a voice so weak and soft, would always give the same reply: “Love you more!”
Debbie was preceded in death by her father John Geiser and infant brother Terry Geiser. In addition to her husband Gabe, son Isaac, and daughter Jasmine all of Orrville, OH, Debbie is survived by her mother Iva Geiser and brother Larry Geiser, both of Apple Creek, OH; sister Sandy (Don) Bunker of Kidron, OH; and brother Joe (Shelley) Geiser of Holmesville, OH, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and their children. Debbie’s first cousins were cherished friends, and she always enjoyed getting together with them.
Calling hours will be held Sunday evening, February 1, at Sonnenberg Mennonite Church, 14367 Hackett Rd. in Kidron from 5-7pm. A Celebration of Life private memorial service for family and invited friends will take place at the Sonnenberg Village 13497 Hackett Rd. on Monday, February 2, at 11am. Debbie’s favorite color was burgundy; she also liked teal, the designated color for ovarian cancer. The family requests attendees wear colorful clothing to celebrate Debbie’s vibrant personality and zest for living.
The family requests that memorial donations be made to The Wayne County Humane Society 1161 Mechanicsburg Rd, Wooster, OH 44691; the National Park Foundation 1500 K Street NW, Suite 700, Washington DC 20005; or to The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA).P.O. Box 32141 New York, NY 10087-2141
The family also wishes to thank Aultman Hospice for providing comfort for Debbie in her final month.
Gresser Funeral Home in Orrville assisted the family in providing for Debbie’s final arrangements. Online expressions are available at the funeral home web page.
Debbie exuded love, joy, humility and grace. Debbie was a life-long follower of Jesus. She saw the good in others and granted forgiveness easily.
To have been loved by Debbie was a special gift.
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