Barbara Lillian (Zavortink) Hostetler

Barbara Lillian Zavortink Hostetler passed away peacefully in her sleep at Kent Ridge at the age of 84 July 7 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Born April 22, 1927, she was the sixth child of Michael and Antonia Zavortink and is preceded in death by her husband Charles Russell Hostetler, sisters Katherine Daniel, Anne Boggs, Dorothy Drumheller, and brother William Zavortink. Barbara is survived by her daughter Marcia (Steve) Korllos of Fairlawn, son David Hostetler of Little Italy and sister Mary Karaffa of Ravenna. She leaves her three grandchildren Thomas (Shelley) Korllos, Danielle Hostetler, Lisa (William) McCauley and former daughter-in-law Denise Zatezalo. Barbara grew up on a farm in Campbellsport outside of Ravenna and attended Ravenna Township High School where she was valedictorian and Homecoming Queen. At 20 she married Charles Russell Hostetler and moved to Hayes Road in Ravenna where they lived and raised their two children, Marcia and Dave. Charles worked at the Ravenna Arsenal before passing away in 1973. Barbara worked at the Pyramid Rubber Company for a number of years before working for the Agricultural Department when it was located at the Ravenna Post Office. As her children got to high school age, Barbara began working as the secretary of the social studies department at Kent State University before becoming administrative secretary to the head of food services for the university. She retired from the university in 1989. In her retirement years Barbara enjoyed trips to Las Vegas and golf became her passion. She golfed in two leagues with her wonderful girlfriends, and was most proud of her hole–in-one on hole number 17 at Kent State Golf Course. She bought a season pass at the course each year, and was asked one time to work for the course as a starter and get cart fees free.  She told them, “No thanks, that would cut into my golfing time.” At Barbara’s request there will be no calling hours as cremation has taken place.  A private memorial will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank the wonderful people at Kent Ridge and hospice workers of Harbor Light for their loving care of Barbara. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions in Barbara’s name can be made to Harbor LightHospice, 734 C Alpha Drive, Highland Hts., OH  44143.

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