Joy Hostetler

Joy M. (Bowen) Hostetler, a spirited and beloved figure of her family and friends, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026, at Genesis Hospice Morrison House in Zanesville, Ohio at the age of 89. Born on November 12, 1936, in Misco, Ohio, she was one of 13 children of the late Staley and Elizabeth “Lizzy” (Collins) Bowen. Joy was a vibrant soul who brought laughter and energy to every room she entered. Joy’s legacy is carried on by her loving family. She is survived by her devoted children, Vikki Price, Rebecca Hutchins, Mona “Bugsy” Pitcock, and Carla Hill. Joy was a proud grandmother to Jewl, Gary “Bub”, Amber, Dyrall, Jodacy, Kyler, Barry, Brian, Blane, Britny, Kayla, Michael, Cody, and Paige. She also leaves behind an impressive lineage of 38 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, marking five generations of the family. She is survived by siblings, James Bowen, Cathy Dollings, Sharon Pierce, and Carla Christy. For over forty years, Joy’s passion for bartending led her to be a familiar, welcoming face at various establishments, including the Burley Run, the Brown Jug, Nolls, and the Zanesville Eagles. She previously owned Burley Run and Brown Jug, where her ornery nature and love for people shone through. In addition to her hospitality career, Joy was also employed with Essex Wire. Her love for adrenaline was evident in her early years when she became the first powder puff champion at Midway Speedway, just outside of Crooksville. She was a proud member of the Roseville American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and a former member of the Crooksville Eagles, where she made lifelong friendships among her community. Joy had an unmatched green thumb, nurturing plants back to life as if by magic. Her love and excitement for slot machines and visiting gaming rooms was well-known, as was her genuine love for her grandchildren. Joy took immense pride in her immediate family, which spanned five generations, and she cherished every moment with them. Always keen to stay in the know, Joy enjoyed keeping up with the word around town, ensuring she was never out of the loop. Her inquisitive nature and desire to be part of the community’s pulse made her a beloved figure to many. She was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Elizabeth “Lizzy” (Collins) Bowen, and her cherished children, Max E. Robison and Barbara Davis; siblings Dempsey Bowen, Judy Crossen, Joann Marolt, Cindy Fowler, Donna Printz, Tammy Jones, Patty Short, and Betty Spencer. Calling hours will be held Sunday March 22, 2026, from 1pm – 3pm and 5pm – 7pm at Ross-Frash Funeral Home, 207 Burley Street Crooksville with funeral services beginning at 11:00am Monday March 23, 2026, with Pastor Marc Caton officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, just south of Crooksville. You may sign the online register book at www.ross-frashfuneralhomes.com