Miriam Hoskins

Miriam Louise Parker, daughter of Ancel and Nellie (Roberts) Parker, was born March 1, 1931, on the family farm near Keosauqua, IA. She started school in Keosauqua, then from third through eighth grade attended country school when the family moved. She graduated from Keosauqua High School in 1948 and from Iowa Success Business School in Ottumwa.

On October 8, 1950, she was united in marriage to Albert (Al) Hoskins, the love of her life, in Ottumwa, IA. The family moved numerous times living in Ottumwa, Iowa, Kewanee, Illinois, Elkader, Boone, Des Moines and Oskaloosa Iowa before settling in Fort Dodge. Miriam worked as a technician at McGladrey & Pullen and Schnurr & Company retiring in 1996 at which she became the treasurer for Trinity United Methodist Church. She considered this work a privilege, perhaps even a calling and most certainly a joy.

Miriam was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church and enjoyed doing whatever needed doing in and around the church and was often teased about her Trustee reminder repair list which was part of the monthly agenda. She served as secretary of both the finance and trustee committees for several years. Miriam was part of the first Stephen Ministry class at Trinity and often noted that becoming a Stephen Minister was of the most personally satisfying, faith growing, things she had done. She was also a “charter” member of the 7 AM Women’s Bible Study. She enjoyed traveling, walking, cooking / baking, bird feeding / watching and gardening. She treasured her family and friends.

Miriam is survived by her children Stephen Hoskins of Fort Dodge and Deborah “Deb” Hoskins of Houston, MN; her sister Dolores Wittmer, Mt. Pleasant, IA and several cousins including Linda (Nick) Wormhoudt, Ottumwa, IA. She was preceded in death by her husband Al and her parents.

Memorials may be directed to Trinity United Methodist Church, Beacon of Hope for Men or Trinity Hospice.