Sue Ann Hochstetter

Sue Ann Hochstetter, age 86, of New Philadelphia went peacefully to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. 

Born in the family home in Tyndall, Coshocton County, Ohio on June 5, 1938, Sue was the daughter of the late Ernest Leroy and Nesta Leola Emler Jennings.

She was a 1956 graduate of Coshocton High School and furthered her education at Muskingum College where she studied Speech and English Literature. In 1962 she married Gregory Hochstetter and started her family. In the early 1980s, she began a 30 plus year career with the JCPenney Company in New Philadelphia where she ultimately became a buyer in the Women’s Department. She attributed her success at Penney’s to her experience working for Golden’s Department Store in Coshocton during her high school years. 

Sue’s walk with the Lord began at a young age in Tyndall and was further strengthened and fostered under the guidance of a number of Pastors and teachers at Broadway United Methodist Church. She enjoyed a variety of social activities within the church serving on different committees and women’s circles. Sue was always willing to volunteer in any capacity needed whether it be teaching Sunday school, helping with the children’s Christmas program, packing shoe boxes for Africa, helping with youth group fundraisers and Vacation Bible School as well as mentoring new members. 

Sue’s kind heart and sweet nature was ever present until sports were involved. Competitive by nature, whether it was a tennis match or family game night she was never afraid to let you know she came to win. She was a lifelong fan of baseball having been one of the first girls to play on the boy’s little league team in Coshocton, and was an avid fan of the Cleveland Indians. She was an accomplished tennis player, and for many years played tennis in the women’s league at Tuscora Park. 

True happiness for Sue was time spent with family. She enjoyed being an active part of her children’s and grand children’s lives, but her most cherished time was spent on vacations with her extended family over many decades at Lakeside Chautauqua on Lake Erie. 

Sue will be deeply missed by her three children, Andrew (Heather) Hochstetter of Stuart, Florida, Amy (James) Vance of New Philadelphia, and Bob (Traci) Hochstetter of Palm City, Florida; her grandchildren, Lily and Benjamin Hochstetter, Savanna (J.W.) Wynn, MacKenzie (fiancé, Harry Spring) Vance, and Tanner and Rylee Hochstetter; her great – grandchildren, Maizey, Ezrah, and Hazel Wynn as well as her nieces and nephew. 

In addition to her parents, Sue was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Rev. Dr. Irwin “Wimpy” Jennings, and her former husband, Gregory Hochstetter. 

The family will greet guests one hour prior to services on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 10 – 11 AM in the Broadway Global Methodist Church at New Philadelphia where pastors Harley Wheeler and Bill Sowers will lead a celebration of Sue’s life beginning at 11 AM. Burial will follow in the Schoenbrunn Meadows Cemetery at New Philadelphia. A meal and fellowship will be held in the church’s social hall following services. 

Memorial contributions in Sue’s name may be directed to preserve and enhance the Jennings East Deck of the Lakeside Pavilion. Gifts can be made online at lakesideohio.com or via check to Lakeside Chautauqua Foundation, 236 Walnut Ave., Lakeside, Ohio 43440. Please denote that funds are for the “Jennings Pavilion”.