Longtime obit writer Gerry Hostetler dies at 76 | News

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV)- On Saturday mornings, she offered Charlotte Observer readers a weekend tradition.

Obituary pages can be cold, clinical and very matter of fact, but Gerry Hostetler found a way engaging local readers about lives that mattered.

Without fail for several years, she was the person that illuminated the lives of everyman with her wit, charm and insight.

While we read so much about the rich and famous, it was Gerry who made the little guy and those who have been forgotten feel important and remain relevant.

Occasionally, I would get a phone call from her wanting a few quotes regarding someone that I may have interviewed here at WBTV or for one of my documentary projects who passed away.

It was an honor to cooperate.

Beyond the writing with dignity of those who lost their lives, Gerry was one of the biggest gatekeepers at the newspaper.

She took calls from everyone before sending them to the right places. Politicians, angry readers and even people who wanted more information about a church fish fry would all talk to Gerry.

There was always warmth in her voice in the way she answered the phone with her distinctive voice.

She would say "Charlotte Observer newsroom, Hostetler." Gerry
answered the phone that way thousands of times.

Several years ago, she left the Observer, but her well known columns continued with the online Q City Metro.

On Sunday, she died following complications from a stroke. Gerry
Hostetler was 76.

She must have known that her life was about to end. Ms.
Hostetler wrote her own obituary. It now appears on Q city metro and we've included the link. http://www.qcitymetro.com/memorials/articles/she_was_truly_one_in_a_million100132433.cfm

Copyright 2012 WBTV. All rights reserved.