Wilma Hofer

WILMA ROSINA (BRUBAKER) HOFER passed peacefully on to her Home in Heaven on April 25, 2022. In her passing, she was surrounded by family who loved her. Her favorite songs and Bible verses were a strength to her throughout her lifetime and a special comfort to her in her last days.

Wilma was born on March 23, 1932 to Marlin and Anna Brubaker in Duchess, Alberta where she spent her early years. Her character and trust in God were deeply influenced by observing the godly example of her parents faith and trust in Him throughout hardships and trials in life. In her youth, she accepted Jesus as her personal Savior and was baptized. She was a member of the Stirling Mennonite Church at the time of her passing. Her life was a testimony of her faith and trust in her Savior.

As she grew in life and character, she had a desire to study of the things of God. In her youth she attended winter Bible school sessions held in various communities. She grew up in a home where her father was a deacon in the church, and her mother faithfully supported his work.

She married Paul J Hofer, on November 1, 1953 and they made their home on a farm near Raymond, Alberta. She found contentment trusting God in the challenges of making ends meet while raising a growing family in a small house.

Wilma came to love the Christian songs she had grown up with, and she discovered the joy they brought, in spite of trying circumstances. Her early morning Bible reading became a meaningful habit, and gave her strength to live well during the days. When asked once by a friend, why she got up so early in the morning for her devotions, her quick reply was, “ I can’t afford not to.” She spent time in the evenings reading Bible stories, singing, and praying with her squirming youngsters, trusting God to establish her work in their lives. Today, ‘Her children rise up and call her blessed’, not because she was perfect, but because she was ‘a woman that feared the Lord’. Her husband Paul was chosen as a minister in the Stirling Mennonite Church in 1982. She was a faithful companion in this work and strong support in his labors until he passed away in 1995. She clung to the promises of God, and sang through her tears as she adjusted to life as a widow. She continued to be a trusted friend and confidante to those who knew her.

Wilma’s wish to remain in her home until her passing, was possible because of the loving care of local family members. We, as a family, are very thankful for the professional, compassionate care of Dr. Baker.

She is survived by two sons and eight daughters: Paul Jr (Lula) Hofer of Raymond, AB, Joanna (Delbert) Birky of Raymond, AB, Christina (Leland) Kropf of Harrisburg, OR, Florence Yoder of Fairland, OK, Barbara (David) Peachey of Baytree, AB, Jean (Vernon) Helmuth of Bonners Ferry, ID, Faye (Robert) Birky of Madras, OR, Lorna Martin of Bonners Ferry, ID, Carol (Alan) Ruckert of Stann Creek District, Belize, and Michael (Julia) Hofer of Raymond, AB, 52 grandchildren, 82 great- grand children and one sister, Ruth(Brubaker) Ramer.

She was preceeded in death by her loving husband, Paul J Hofer, her parents, her brothers :Raymond and Marlin, daughter- in-law: LeAnna(Kauffman) Hofer, sons-in law: Jonathan Byler, Mark Yoder, and 1 great-granddaughter, Katelyn Kropf.

A Visitation will be held from 6:00 till 8:00 PM on Monday May 2, 2022 at STIRLING MENNONITE CHURCH (61022 Range Rd 201, Raymond).

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday May 3, 2022 at STIRLING MENNONITE CHURCH (61022 Range Rd 201, Raymond).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ukraine refugee crisis

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