TAMPICO – Doris May (Hostetler) Gerdes, daughter of Amos and Kathryn (Unzicker) Hostetler, was born Dec. 9, 1933, at Roanoke.

She passed away Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012, at the age of 78 years, 8 months and 7 days, at the home of her sister Alta and Alta's husband, Stanley, where she was lovingly cared for during the last 6 months.

She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and dementia, and she struggled with failing health in the last years. She accepted Christ as her Savior and was baptized in her youth and was a member of the Tourist Mennonite Church in Sarasota, Fla.

She was united in marriage to Elmer Gerdes on May 6, 1984. They shared the joys and sorrows of life for 18 years.

Surviving are three brothers, Don Hostetler of Hotchkiss, Colo., Paul Hostetler and his wife Elva of Tampico, Les Hostetler and his wife Bertha of Tampico; one sister, Alta and husband Stanley Headings of Tampico. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer, her twin sister, Dora, who passed away 1 month and 2 days earlier, her parents, and one sister-in-law, Merlene.

She enjoyed homemaking and gardening. She also spent many years as a waitress.

Visitation was held Sunday at Fairfield A.M. School in Tampico.