Elaine J. Hochstetler, 68, rural Columbia City, died at 4:27 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne.

She was born March 9, 1948 in Wolf Lake, a daughter of Malcolm and Elizabeth (Randall) Baker. Her formative years were spent in Kimmell and Wolf Lake areas. She graduated from Central Noble High School and St. Joe School of Nursing in 1969.

On Aug. 30, 1969 she was united in marriage to Stanley L. Hochstetler. They made their home in Cheyenne, Wyoming until March 1970 when they moved to Fort Wayne. In the summer 1973, they moved to their home in Stable Acres.

A registered nurse, Elaine worked in the emergency room at St. Joe Hospital, Coronary Care while in Wyoming and then various nursing homes including Alfran, C.C.C.C.C., The Oaks, Covington Manor, Heritage of Huntington and lastly Renaissance Village where she retired in 2012.

She was a member of Faith United Church of Christ, attended Oak Grove Church of God, was a member of New Hope Wesleyan Church and lastly First Church of God. She also enjoyed the Friday morning nurses’ breakfast club.

Surviving relatives include her husband of over 47 years, Stan; three children: Michelle (Todd) Hammon, Columbia City; Jeffrey (Tammy) Hochstetler, Wolf Lake; and Kenneth R. (Kelly) Hochstetler, Columbia City; nine grandchildren, Faith, Grace, Emma and Mason Hammond, Breck and Natalee Hochstetler, and Evan, Gavin and Elijah Hochstetler; a sister, Marsha Haney of Trotwood, Ohio; and two brothers, Blaine Baker and Bill Baker, both of Cromwell.

Her parents preceded her in death.

The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 15 at First Church of God, 1200 West DePoy Drive, Columbia City with visitation from 9 to 10 a.m. The burial will be in Sparta Cemetery, Kimmell. The visitation will also be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Preferred memorials are to First Church of God.