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BORN

1932

DIED

2013

Joyce Hofferber Obituary

Joyce Ward Hofferber

Laramie, Wyoming —Joyce Ward Hofferber was the center of our family. She was born May 30, 1932 to Leonard and Alma Ward in Genoa, Nebraska. She died peacefully in her home December 25, 2013.

Joyce graduated from Laramie High School, where she met the love of her life Ken Hofferber. Ken and Joyce were married in Laramie on June 3, 1950 and moved to Great Falls Montana in 1957. Joyce worked for the Great Falls School District Administration Office and later she spent many fulfilling years working with students in the CMR High School library. Ken and Joyce retired to Laramie in 1991. One of Joyce's favorite pastimes was traveling down a gravel road with family, always eager to see what was just around the next bend.

Joyce's home and her heart served as a welcoming haven to all who entered. Joyce was passionate about her many hobbies including wood working, bird watching, quilting, card making, knitting and crocheting . She invited all those interested, to share in her joy of discovering new hobbies, new patterns and new projects. She was equally passionate about her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved to share the milestones in their lives as well as the day to day ups and downs. It was always a good day when you talked with Granny.

Joyce was a student her entire life and she drew many others into her love of learning. If you wanted to learn something, she would teach you or learn with you. Her friends came from all walks of life. She could walk into room anywhere and before the day was done she made a new friend. When she was no longer able to travel, she lived vicariously through her family and friends. Joyce would explore a new destination on the internet, while others were on a trip. Many friends brought back a stone or a bit of sand from a far off place for her collection.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Ken Hofferber, her parents, sister Linda Ward, and brother Arlen Ward. Joyce is survived by her daughter Jerilee (Mike) Sowle of Cloverdale, Ore., son Michael (Pam) Hofferber, Billings, Mont., Jerilee's children Talena (Brandon) Smith, Jennifer (Shane) Haller and Mac Eastman, and step-daughters Kimberly (Nicolaj) Molbaek and Shannon Sowle, Mike's children Megan (Brandon) Robson and Brian Hofferber, great grandchildren McKenna and Morgan Smith, Trinity Haller, step-great grandchildren Lindsey Haller, Jade Downs and Coraline Molbaek, a very special niece Kathy (Ward) Austin, her husband Russ and their children Ian and Laurel of Laramie.

The family would like to thank Joyce's wonderful friends who kept a watchful eye on her after Ken's death.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Hospice of Laramie Building Fund, 1262 N 22nd Street Unit A, Laramie, WY 82070 or the charity of choice.

Cremation has taken place. A private family celebration of Joyce and Ken's lives will be held at the family cabin at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Great Falls Tribune on Jan. 16, 2014.

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Gail Ellsworth-Gemar

January 17, 2014

Dear Mike, Pam and family, I have some wonderful memories of your mom during high school. She was my leader when I did the Miss Electrics. She was always one of my most favorite people. May you always enjoy your happy memories and good times spent together.
May God bless you all.

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