E. Jay Hochstetler, 88, longtime Sugarcreek resident, dies March 3

E. Jay "Jay" Hochstetler, 88, of Millersburg and a longtime resident of Sugarcreek, passed peacefully on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, after a period of declining health, the Legacy memorial page reports. The Legacy entry adds that "He was a longtime resident of Sugarcreek, Ohio, where he spent much of his life and was deeply rooted..." and Echovita's listing similarly notes that "The world bids farewell to Jay Hochstetler of Millersburg, Ohio, departing on March 3, 2026 at the age of 88."

Hochstetler was born August 4, 1937, according to the Echovita obituary. Obituary listings identify his most recent residence as Walnut Hills Retirement Community and list Millersburg, Ohio, as his place of passing; Legacy and other listings emphasize his long ties to Sugarcreek where he spent much of his life.

A celebration of life for family and community will be held Friday, March 6, 2026, at 5:00 PM at Walnut Creek Mennonite Church, 2619 County Rd 144, Sugarcreek, OH 44687. The Legacy page and Echovita both provide service details and online guestbook options for condolences. Memorial contributions are requested to the Missions Fund at Walnut Creek Mennonite Church, mailed to 2619 County Rd 144, PO Box 182, Walnut Creek, OH 44681.

Funeral arrangements are listed in partnership with Smith-Varns Funeral Home on the Legacy memorial page, while Echovita and aggregated listings note Spidell Funeral Home - Mount Eaton as handling funeral arrangements. Those discrepancies appear on the public obituary pages; family members or the funeral homes can confirm which firm is the primary contact for services and details.

Hochstetler was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde Hochstetler and Erdine Hochstetler (Gerber); his wife, Norma Jean; his brother Lynn Hochstetler of Millersburg; and brothers-in-law Don Chaney of Reedsburg, Robert Chaney Sr. of Millersburg, and James Chaney of Millersburg. Survivors listed in the obituaries include children Jaymie Hochstetler of Millersburg, Doug Hochstetler and wife Trisha of Berlin, Amy Daubenspeck and husband Russell of Ashland, and Dayna Schrock and husband Mike of Walnut Creek.

Grandchildren named in the notices are Allison, Luke Hochstetler, James Daubenspeck, Lauren, Hayley, and Tyler Schrock, and great-grandchildren include Charlee Schrock Hill and Rian Schrock Hill. Surviving brothers include Donald Hochstetler of Michigan, Ken Hochstetler of Arizona, and Stan Hochstetler of Berlin.

Legacy's memorial page invites people to "Other Ways to Support the Family," to "Plant Trees," and to "Follow This Page" for updates, while Echovita's listing offers options to "Send Flowers," "Light a candle," and sign a guestbook. The obituary pages include contact points for leaving condolences and for those seeking clarification on service arrangements.