In Memory of Ruth J. Hoferman

Ruth J. Hoferman, age 90, of Tucson, Arizona, formerly of Alta, Iowa, was gently called home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, April 6, 2026. Surrounded by the love of her family, she peacefully took His hand and entered into eternal rest.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 27, 2026, in the United Methodist Church, in Alta, Iowa. Rev. Robert J. Strand will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Alta, Iowa.

A Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, April 26, 2026, in the United Methodist Church in Alta, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Ruth Jeniece (Patten) Hoferman was born on a farm seven miles south of Alta on August 15, 1935. She was the only daughter of James Allen and Florence (Barnard) Patten. Ruth attended Maple Valley Country School through the fourth grade and then Alta Community School, where she graduated in 1953.

Ruth attended Drake University for one year before returning home to marry and start a family. She married her high school sweetheart, Clinton Hoferman, on September 19, 1954. In their early years together, Ruth was a dedicated farm wife, supporting her husband while raising their four daughters. She could often be found driving a tractor, helping pull a calf, or butchering chickens, never hesitating to do whatever needed to be done.

Later, Ruth returned to college and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Buena Vista College in 1972. Following graduation, she taught vocal music for more than 25 years in Albert City, Aurelia, and Alta. Music was always major part of Ruth’s life, beginning when she served as a church organist in junior high and continuing well into her 80’s. She also taught piano lessons to many young aspiring pianists.

Ruth was a member of the Assemblies of God Church in Truesdale and Storm Lake for many years, as well as the United Methodist Church in Alta. She served as pianist, organist, choir director, and contributed in numerous other ways throughout the years. She also shared her musical talents by entertaining at area nursing homes and for senior citizens, and served as a musician for the VFW Ladies Auxiliary locally, State of Iowa, Big Ten Conference, and the National VFW Auxiliary.

In her later years, Ruth remained close to family, living at Autumn Glen Senior Living in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, where she enjoyed playing piano for weekly hymn sings whenever possible. In September of last year, she moved to Tucson, Arizona, where she spent her final months with her daughter and son-in-law Joan and Roger. 

Ruth and Clinton were married for 63 years when he passed away in May 2018.  The family loved to see them dance together at weddings, because they were often the last one standing during the Couples dance.  They were blessed with four daughters, Diane (Bruce) Radke of Clinton, Iowa, Joan (Roger) Pence of Tucson, Arizona, Colleen (Barry) Sharp of Rogers, Minnesota and Lisa (Troy) Miranowski of Coon Rapids, Minnesota.  Ruth has 11 grandchildren: Christopher (Courtney) Radke, Joshua (Stephanie) Radke, Meghann MacKinnon, Jason (Hollie) Miska, Andrea (Brandon Pufall) Miska, Clinton (Addie) Sharp, Matthew Sharp, Rachael (Jake) Hintz, Anthony (Jenny) Miranowski, Connor (Meagan) Miranowski, and Tayhler Miranowski.  Ruth also has 30 great grandchildren and one great, great granddaughter.  

Ruth is survived by her daughters and their families, her sister-in-law Margie Hoferman, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Rev. Robert and Donna Strand, many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Ruth was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clinton Hoferman, her parents, James and Florence Patten, her in-laws, Leo and Mamie Hoferman, her brothers Kenneth (Darlene) Patten, Thomas (Joyce) Patten, Neil (Pat) Patten, and Doug (Virginia) Patten, her in-laws Boyd (Marilu) Hoferman, and Duane Hoferman.