Mary "Irene" (Burnworth) Hostetler, 93, of Confluence, passed away peacefully at her home Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Born April 17, 1933, in Confluence, a daughter of Thomas and Melissa (Show) Burnworth. She spent her life devoted to the things that mattered most to her – family, faith, home, and caring for others.
For 75 years, Irene shared her life with her husband, Robert "Max" Hostetler. Together they built a life filled with family, friendship, hard work, laughter, and countless memories, until Max passed away in January of 2026.
More than anything, Irene was proud to be a mother. Raising her boys was one of the greatest joys and accomplishments of her life, and that love only grew as her family expanded through the generations. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. To her family and many neighborhood children, she was simply and affectionately known as "Maw" or "Mawtater." Her home was a gathering place, and Irene had a special way of making people feel welcome and cared for. Saturday mornings often meant family coming together around her table for buckwheat cakes – a simple tradition that became one of many treasured family memories.
Irene was a woman of strong faith and a member of Johnson Chapel Methodist Church. She found great purpose in being a homemaker and a caregiver, generously giving her time and attention to family members and friends whenever they needed her.
She rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on her boys and, later, her grandchildren at their ball games. When she wasn't watching her own family play, she enjoyed sports on television, especially her beloved Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Steelers. Irene also enjoyed gardening, bird watching, and simply spending time surrounded by family and friends. Those who knew her may also remember another side of Irene – the woman behind the CB and her well-known handle "Krazy Kitten." She and Max also shared a love of motorcycle riding and treasured the time they spent riding together with friends.
Irene is survived by her sons, John (Marcia) of Bruceton Mills, WV, Dave (Tonya) of Confluence, and Terry (Diane) of Farmington; daughters-in-law Linda Hostetler of Confluence, and Kris Hostetler of Farmington; brothers-in-law Warren (Lee) Hostetler of Sneads Ferry, NC, and Jack Hostetler of Confluence; 18 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren, as well as several nieces, nephews, and numerous cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Melissa Burnworth; her husband Robert "Max" Hostetler; sons Kenneth and Willard "Butch" Hostetler; grandson Rob; brothers Glenn and Clyde Burnworth; sister Leah (Burnworth) Kamp; and half brother Donald Show.
Irene's life was measured not simply in her 93 years, but in the generations of family she loved, the people she cared for, the traditions she created, and the memories she leaves behind. Her greatest pride was her family.
Friends and family will be received Sunday, September 27, from 3-7 PM at Humbert Funeral Home in Confluence, where a service will be held Monday, September 28, at 11 AM with Rev. Kenneth Steele officiating. There will be viewing one hour prior to the service on Monday. Interment in Johnson Chapel Cemetery.