Lillian Mae Hostler, affectionately known as “Mush,” was born on March 18, 1929, in Hoopa. She peacefully started her final journey on July 9, 2024, at the age of 95, surrounded by her loving family. As a proud member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe, Lillian was celebrated as the Tribe’s oldest living member, embodying a rich legacy of tradition and resilience.

Born during the early years of the Great Depression to Jimmy Jackson and Pearl Green Jackson, Lillian was the eldest of seven children. Her early years were filled with adventure and learning, particularly from her grandmother, Louisa “Old Gram” Jackson, who was born in 1887. Known for always following her “Old Gram” and Aunt’s, Lillian learned many stories, the Hupa language and traditional teachings that she cherished throughout her life. She was deeply rooted in the Hupa culture and was honored to dance in the Jump Dance as a young woman.

Lillian always deeply loved her parents and spoke fondly of them, showing them devotion and unconditional love throughout their lives.

Lillian attended Hoopa High School but contracted tuberculosis and was sent to a sanatorium in Fresno for a year and a half for treatment. When she returned home in 1946, she married Hilton Hostler Sr. and had two sons shortly thereafter. She worked as a clerk for Brizzard’s Store in Hoopa and Jordan’s Shopping Center, making many friends over the years. In 1975, Lillian remarried Robert “Bobby” Hostler, and they enjoyed 37 years of marriage. In 1970, they moved to Washington, D.C., where Bobby worked for the BIA and Lillian took a job at a pharmacy. Preferring active work over a desk job, she enjoyed her role as a clerk and made many friends while braving the East Coast winters.

Upon returning home, Lillian became the manager of the liquor store at Club Hupa, running the store and bar. She was known for her caring and considerate nature, yet she was tough as nails, handling unruly patrons and keeping the business going for many years. After retiring, Lillian worked at her sister’s restaurant, Laura’s Kitchen, as a hostess, waitress and all-around helper, socializing and exchanging stories with the patrons.

Despite the great heartache of losing both of her sons, Lillian remained steadfast in her commitment to love and support her family. She was fiercely devoted to her children and grandchildren, providing a safe haven and unwavering support. Her home was a place of warmth and sustenance, often taking in those who needed help the most.

Lillian was famous for making the best bread and beans, a recipe that no one could quite replicate. She would make a pot of beans every week, accompanied by her delicious fry bread or yeast bread, often sending visitors home with a loaf. One of the best gifts you could give her was fresh fruits and vegetables. During the summertime, she could often be found enjoying a plate of lemon cucumbers and tomatoes, visiting with family from her favorite spot on the couch with her legs tucked up to one side. Well into her eighties, Lillian maintained her strength and agility, regularly walking from her house on Redwood Grove Road down to the Trinity River for exercise and to cool off. Her ability to squat down to build a fire or find her bean pot in the back of the cupboard in her late eighties amazed her grandchildren.

The greatest legacy Lillian leaves behind is her example of unconditional love. No matter the circumstances, she loved wholeheartedly, offering support and compassion to all. Her life was a testament to strength, love, and community. Deeply rooted in her culture, Lillian often shared stories and traditions that kept the Hoopa culture alive. Her wisdom and compassion touched the lives of many, making her a cherished figure within the Tribe and beyond. Lillian is survived by her devoted sisters, Laura Ferris, Lila Gerstner (Jay Dee), Laura Lee George, and sister-in-law, Leslie Jackson; her brothers, Lincoln Jackson (Janet) and Zane Grant (Nita); and her beloved daughter-in-law, Jacque Hostler-Carmesin. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Robin Hostler, Donald Hostler (Mark Alsbury), Lillian “Buppy” Hostler, Michael Hostler Sr., and Heather Hostler. Her great-grandchildren, Lisa, Ashley, Brandt, Jazzy, Hilton III, Kameiko, Kamaria, Aneekah, John Silver, Coco, and Michael Jr., will carry forward the love she showed them. Her great-great-grandchildren, Blaine, Gerard, Christian, Donald II, Shayde, Elise, Alize, Deandre Michael, Zamarii, Rocky, Hallie, and Rori, along with countless cousins, nieces and nephews, will remember her with the deepest love and respect.

Lillian was preceded in death by her cherished sons, Hilton Hostler Jr. and Jasper Hostler III; loving husband, Robert Daniel Hostler; her parents, Jimmy and Pearl Jackson; her brothers, Leroy, Leonard, Leland, Chief, Sonny Jackson, and Frank Grant; her sister, Leona Jackson;and her great-great-grandchild, baby Jazz “Little Horse” Hostler.

Lillian Mae Hostler’s life was a beacon of strength and love, illuminating the path for future generations of her lineage. Her memory will be carried in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. The family invites those who wish to honor Lillian’s memory to join in a celebration of her life at the Neighborhood Facilities in Hoopa on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at 11 a.m. Interment to follow at Hostler Family Cemetery at Takimildin and reception at the Hoopa Fire Department Hall.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Don Hostler, Michael Hostler Sr., Hilton Hostler III, Brandt Hostler, Blaine Hostler, Gerard Marshall, Christian Hostler and Donald Hostler II. Honorary pallbearers are Mark Alsbury, George Bailey, Robert Buckman, Carl Colegrove Sr., Don Sugi Colegrove, Wes Crawford, Gary Dempewolf Jr., Gary Dempewolf Sr., Lonnie Ferris, Deacon Ferris, Leonard “Spam” Ferris, Buddy Gray, Albert “Junkie” Gray, Wayne Grant, Zane Grant, Jay Dee Gerstner, Murphy Green, Jeff Hodge Jr., Jeff Hodge Sr., Alex Hodge, Max Hodge, Clarence Hostler, Jude Hostler, Keith Hostler, Norvin Hostler, Willie Hostler, Ryan Jackson, Lyle “Custer” Jackson, Nah-tes Jackson, Silish Jackson, Arthur Jones, Pete Lara, Paige Matilton, Steven McCovey, Mikey McCovey, Michael McCovey, Notchko McCovey, Victor McCovey, Virgil Moorehead, Dale Risling, Maui Smith and Bill Taylor.

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