Lois Hoffman

Lois Anne Hoffman, former Winchester resident, died of renal failure Monday, Sept. 12, 2011, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston. Lois was born April 26, 1926, in Cottonwood to Dr. William C. and Gladys McGrath Loft. In 1944, she graduated from St. Gertrude's Academy in Cottonwood.

She was set up on a successful date with Donald J. Hoffman by his sister Marie. Don and Lois were married July 28, 1945, and they survived the arrangement for 41 years! She lived next door to her mother-in-law during those years and they became the best of friends.

Lois was a longtime member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Lewiston.

She is survived by her children, Tricia Hoffman of Boulder Creek, Calif., Judi and Rich Puckett of Lewiston, Bob and Jill Hoffman of Bend, Ore., Lori and Tim Tautfest of Craigmont, Rick and Carla Hoffman of Winchester, and Marci Hoffman of Clarkston; 15 grandchildren, Alissa, Ryan, Jason, Jeremy, Brianne, Brandon, Eric, Britney, Jennifer, Justin, Mark, Alyson, Joshua, Heather and Destiny, and their spouses; 22 great-grandchildren; a brother, Bill Loft of Lenore; brother-in-law, Vern Uptmor of Lewiston; sisters-in-law, Jan Loft and Rita Loft, both of Spokane; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Lois in death were her parents; husband Don; her brothers, Robert and David Loft; and sisters, Dorothy Haas and Mary (Kaye) Uptmor.

As a young woman Lois had her first flying experience doing barrel rolls in a two-seater open cockpit plane. She loved it! This gave her and Don, a U.S. Army Air Corps staff sergeant, something fun to talk about! Lois spent most of her married life taking care of her family of six in Winchester, just "The" look in her eye meant you better stop doing that; she never had to raise her voice.

She was quite an accomplished artist, creating pencil drawings and oil paintings. Dancing was another favorite. Lois and her brother, Bob, were hometown jitterbug champions. She danced with Don anytime she could get him on the dance floor.

In 1978, Lois was hired by Dr. John Dertinger, dentist, as office manager for his practice. She thought she didn't have the skills to do the job as "just a mom" but spent 20 years in that role. She loved working with the staff and talking with the patients - many of whom became great friends.

After retiring at age 71, she enjoyed many travels with her sister, Kaye, her friend, Wilma Greene, and a special highlight, vacationing in Australia with her daughter, Trish. She also enjoyed many visits with other family members.

A memorial service will be conducted for Lois at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Lewiston.

Memorial contributions may be made to Operation Smile, Winchester Quick Response, Paralyzed Veterans or a favorite charity.

She was dearly loved and will be missed by all!