HOUSTON — Janie Hotze, beloved wife of Dr. Steven Hotze for 57 years, passed peacefully into eternity early Wednesday morning, June 18, 2025. She was surrounded in spirit by the unwavering love of her family and the deep Christian faith that defined her life.
Janie was the devoted mother of eight children and the joyful grandmother of 25 grandchildren. Her life was one of extraordinary love, tireless devotion, and steadfast faith. For more than five decades, she stood as the heart of the Hotze family—nurturing, praying, encouraging, and pointing everyone around her to Christ.
“My sweetest and dearest Janie… departed this world to be with our Lord and King, Jesus Christ, at 5:30 a.m.,” Dr. Hotze shared in a written statement. “She has passed from the land of the dying to the land of the living, to be with Christ in glory for eternity.”
Dr. Hotze reflected on Janie’s salvation in April 1973 as the moment that set her course toward an imperishable inheritance, “reserved in heaven for her.” He said her final 18 months were marked by physical suffering, yet also by an unshakable trust in God. “Even though she was distressed by her illnesses and trials, the proof of her faith—more precious than gold—was found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Each day during her illness, Janie and Dr. Hotze prayed together the words of the hymn My Hope is Built on Nothing Less:
When Christ shall come with trumpet sound,
O may we then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before His throne.
On Christ the solid Rock we stand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
Though her passing brings deep sorrow to her family and community, Janie’s legacy is one of triumphant joy and eternal hope.
“She loved Jesus Christ and now sees Him face to face,” Dr. Hotze wrote. “As an outcome of her faith, she is experiencing the reality of eternal life… with our Lord Jesus Christ, our son David, and all the saints in glory.”
To those who joined in prayer for Janie during her illness, Dr. Hotze expressed heartfelt gratitude.
“God has answered your prayers. To God be the glory. Thank you for your faithful friendship,” he said.
Janie Hotze’s life was a living testimony of the hope found in Christ. Her family grieves with faith, comforted in the knowledge that she now rejoices in the presence of her Savior, fully healed and gloriously alive.
Funeral arrangements are forthcoming. The Hotze family asks for continued prayers as they walk forward in hope and thanksgiving for Janie’s remarkable life.
