Obituary of Ila Jean Hochstetler

Ila Jean Hochstetler passed away peacefully on December 17, 2019. Ila was born on June 4, 1933 in Tofield, Alberta, Canada to Earl and Elva Roth. The family moved to Welman, Iowa in 1941. Ila graduated from Iowa Mennonite School and went on to work asa telephone operator in Iowa City. In 1954, Ila married Paul E. Hochstetler and they settled in Salem, OR seven years later with their daughter, Pamela. Ila worked at Salem Hospital for 31 years; she started in Admitting before moving on to become an accountant in the Pharmacy. Over the years Ila volunteered regularly with her church, baked for young campers at Drift Creek church camp, taught Sunday school, and quilted. Ila and Paul loved the outdoors, they enjoyed spending time at their cabin, visiting the coast, and exploring Oregon. The Hochstetlers occasionally traveled outside the US, and their last trip, to Israel, was their most memorable. Ila is survived by her twin sister, Lila (Glen) Byers, daughter Pamela (Abdulla) Albaqsami of Kuwait, and three grandchildren, Iman, Nasser, and Jihan Albaqsami. She was preceded in death by her older sister Luora, and her husband Paul. Ila was a member of Salem Evangelical Church, and enjoyed volunteering in the kitchen and food giveaway. Her friends from church meant the world to her. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 PM, Thursday, January 9, 2020 at Salem Evangelical Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Voice of the Martyrs. Assisting the family is Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.