Paula Hostetler Obituary

Paula May Hostetler, beloved mother, sister and aunt, passed peacefully on August 12, 2025. Paula was preceded in death by her father Paul, mother Vivian, and brother Warren.

Paula was born in Mountain Home and graduated from Boise High School. Anyone who met her knew that Paula was very much a nomad, and she took great pride in being the black sheep of the family. As such, she spent some time in college but also explored the Midwest and western US by joining a carnival where she ran various game tents. She ultimately ended up in the Los Angeles area, where she met and married Rene Rosado Sr. and they welcomed Rene Jr into the world.

After returning to Idaho, Paula joined the Post Office as a carrier, and then over time became a supervisor. In 1985, Paula and her husband Dennis moved to Chicago, Illinois in hopes of creating a better life. After a few years of trying different careers, Paula ultimately found her home back at the Post Office. She began as a clerk, and worked her way up to becoming a Postmaster, just like her father.

In 2007, she moved to California to be closer to her son. She accepted the role as Postmaster of Button Willow, CA. Spending several years moving around to different post offices getting more experience, she ultimately retired as the Postmaster in Mountain Center, CA. After retiring, she moved back home to Idaho, settling in Nampa. Not able to sit idly, Paula joined CASA as a Guardian ad Litem. She spent the next few years advocating for children in various phases of the foster care system and truly cherished being a voice for “her kiddos.”

Paula was a passionate and strong-willed woman who loved fiercely. She loved her son, her dog George, all her nieces and nephews, and her grand puppies Appa and Tinkerbell. She took great joy in being called Auntie, or Tia by her nieces and nephews in Belize. She loved to bake, garden and spend time with her family as well as quilting, crocheting and other various crafts. Her Christmas candies will be sorely missed this year.

She is survived by her son, Rene, grand-son Jean, niece Brandi and scores of loved ones.

A celebration of life will take place on September 5th at 2:00 p.m. MDT at Bowman Funeral Home in Garden City, Idaho.

We’d love her family and friends to wear purple, her favorite color, on Friday, September 5th in her honor, even if you cannot attend her memorial service. Additionally, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to CASA or your favorite charity.