Barbara Joyce Stewart Hotmire

Barbara Joyce Hotmire died peacefully with her family surrounding her with prayers and songs on May 12, 2025. Her family includes her Husband of 65 years, Jerry Hotmire (8/1/59 wedding), her children, Denise (Tom) Schoeff, Darrel (Heidi) Hotmire, Darren (Merry Jean) Hotmire, grandchildren, Kara (Adam) Wheat, Heather (Patrick) Obras, Kylin (Caleb Elliott), Daniel Hotmire, Julianna (Tristan) Friederich, Erin Hotmire, Meghann (Jerry Stalans) Hotmire, and great grandchildren, June Wheat, Clara Stalans and Alice Joy Wheat (who preceded).

Barbara had a long, active, and interesting life, always centered around her loved ones, starting with Jerry, their children, grandchildren, their spouses, and great grandchildren. In person, and then in prayer when she was not able. She also had various positions in her work life that she loved, including secretary of Matthews Elementary School; she eventually resigned as Desktop Publisher at Taylor University’s University Press after 18 years.

She accepted the call to go to Kazakhstan, where she was the Director of Charities for Interlink Resources, Inc, a Humanitarian Aide company established by Union Chapel Ministries of Muncie Indiana. Her main focus was developing relationships with orphanages, funding their physical needs like coal, gas, potatoes, backpacks, clothing; and she hosted U.S. visiting short term mission teams at the orphanages.

She moved back to Upland, Indiana, became a Winter Texan for 14 years, where she and Jerry helped a missionary to Mexico. And then to Advent Christian Village, the oldest Florida retirement community. She served as Secretary for the Membership Association for three years; became a proficient artist in pastels, water color, and acrylics; she loved board and card games in these two wonderful places. She was always willing to learn and try new things, whether it be a new technique in creative art, living in another country ,or, running a 5K with her college aged daughter.

She loved worship times; regularly attended churches, and appreciated the more modern praise songs. She spent many years at Upland United Methodist, Union Chapel Ministries in Muncie, and In Our Fathers House in Texas. More recently attended West Side Baptist Church in Live Oak, Florida. Her love of travel took her to many places. Most recently this meant camping with her husband in their 5th Wheel, and then a self converted Sprinter van. She even went to Alaska on her 50th wedding anniversary. As it happened to be the 50th anniversary of Alaskan statehood as well, they were excited to see many anniversary congratulations posted everywhere!

She was a mother to many, helping as a spiritual mother and role model throughout her life. These include the above mentioned spouses as well as many others. The number helped in this manner are too many to mention, although Steve Wolfe, and Eric, Tina and Esther Hedin, and Carol Hotmire are representative. She was a wonderful grandmother as well, starting a “Cousin Camp” for all of her grandkids to attend for over ten years, helping them grow in Christ, as well as closer to each other.

Although we miss her dearly, and daily, we know that she is joining loved ones already passed. These include her mother and father, Revelle Dakota and Cora Lucille Stewart, and the beloved Alice Joy Wheat, who are with our Father in heaven.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations for Embrace Grace to West Side Baptist Church, 13969 Railroad Street, Live Oak FL 32060. Barbara was very supportive of this ministry to save babies, and its’ local leaders. Write a check to the church, and Embrace Grace on the Memo line.