Obituary: Ruth Landon Hoffman

Ruth Landon Hoffman died Dec. 30, 2012 while visiting her son, Bill Hoffman, and his family in Carson City. She passed quickly and in the company of loved ones at the age of 89. Ruth was born on Nov. 24, 1923 in Carlin, Nev. to Franklin Joseph Landon and Emily Jewkes Landon. She was a third generation Nevadan and lived her entire life in the West. In 1939, she married Howard William Hoffman, the love of her life. They had been married 71 years at the time of his death in 2010. Together, they raised a family of five sons, all born in Nevada. Because Howard worked for various mines and construction companies in Nevada, Utah and Idaho, the family moved often while the boys were growing. She managed a household of six males and herself while living for several years in an eight food wide mobile home. Through loving commitment she was able to keep all of them fed, clothed and educated. In 1967, Ruth and Howard moved to Elko and made their home at the top of Lamiolle Summit. For the first time, she took a job outside the home and worked for many years at the Elko Sprouse-Reitz store. They lived the rest of their lives in the small house that they mutually dubbed "Hoffman's Heavenly Hilltop Hacienda". Together they fought off the winter snow drifts and the summer dry spells. She loved reading and listening to music. There was always a new book propped on her table next to her tea cup. But her real love was her family and she was dedicated to Howard, her five boys and the extended family that grew over the years. She always remembered birthdays, anniversaries and graduations.

In Heaven, Ruth joins her love, Howard; her sisters, Dorothy and Margie; her sons, Bob (April surviving) and Butch; and her granddaughters, Cari and Danielle. She is survived by sister, Marion McLaughlin; sons, Bill (Puj), Mel (Dorie) and Lee (Lynne); grandchildren, Hallie (Brent), Kelli (Denny), Jeannie (Darren), Eric (Jen), Brett (Holly) and Lisa (Joe); ten great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

The family sends a special thanks to Margaret Ray for her loving care.

A memorial service is scheduled on Friday, Jan. 11 at 11 a.m. in St. Peter's Episcopal Church at the corner of Division and Telegraph Streets in Carson City. A luncheon will follow the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be sent to Friends of Elko County Library, 720 Court St., Elko, NV 89801 or to a charity of your choice.