Ruth Alice Hoffman

On January 25, 2016 Ruth Hoffman, servant of the Lord, stepped into her heavenly home. She was sitting in her favorite chair holding hands with the love her life, Jim, when she peacefully slipped away. She was a remarkable woman whose 91 years on this earth were well spent.

She was born in West Liberty, Iowa to Philip and Julia (Spencer) Norman, on September 30, 1924. She received a B.S. Degree in Nursing enabling her fulfill her calling to serve others in the name of Christ. She spent time at the Grenfell Mission in Newfoundland in the 1940's. After overcoming Tuberculosis contracted at the mission, she moved to Denver, CO to be a public school nurse. There she opened her home to young, single women to mentor them. In 1958 she was introduced to a recently widowed farmer with 3 young children and her servant's heart opened wide as she stepped excitedly into the role of wife and mother upon their marriage on June15, 1958. Two more children were added and the job of raising her children in a Christian home became her most important work.

She moved into the Coy homestead farm house in Ft. Collins where she lived out what home making means. The 100 year old house was transformed over the years by her hard work, vision and love. Indoor plumbing was a first priority and over time she made every corner a lovely, unique and welcoming place. Rooms were transformed into childhood retreats as Pirate ships were painted onto walls, closets that looked like horse barns or train cabooses were made and no color scheme was rejected.

Her servant heart blossomed as the room to grow a garden led to adding rows of vegetables and more chickens to the coop for other families. Harvest time was a celebration as the food was divided, and shared. Baking day often meant 50 loaves of fresh bread cooling on the counters, and no one ever saw a 'store bought cookie' in a lunch sack. Birthday cakes were baked and decorated around the big event of each child's year. That old house became a true home under her dedicated care.

Her servant heart never wavered as she brought her father to live with them, nursing him through a peaceful death. And again when her mother-in-law needed care, Ruth was there, giving up the farm house and moving in with Fay to nurse her through the end.

So it is fitting that she left from home as well, embraced by Jim, after 57 years of service together that in later years included travel and volunteering for Wycliffe Ministries.

She leaves behind her husband, Jim,; her children, David Hoffman (Patricia-deceased) of Ft. Collins, his son, Jason (Melissa) and their daughter, Lydia and twin sons due any day. Dan Hoffman (Sandra) of Sioux Falls S.D. and his children, Jordan (Mariah) and Laura and her daughter, Eden. Heather Wolhart (Neal) of Ft. Collins and her children, Nicholas (Laura), Nathan (Krystin) and their children, Kayden and Kaylee, and Nolan (Heather), and Philip Hoffman of Ft. Collins. Also granddaughter, Juli (Chris) Pachek and her children, Hunter and Sam. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Rollo, and her daughter, Cindi (Dwayne) Hamar.

Her service will be Saturday, January 30, 2016, Summitview Church, Ft. Collins CO. 11:00 a.m. There will be a reception to follow at the church. For those that would like, there will be time for viewing before the service from 10:00 -11:00 a.m. In place of flowers donations may be made to Wycliffe Ministries, P.O.Box 628200 Orlando, FL 32862. 1-800-992-5433.