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Ruth J. Hoferman, 90, of Tucson, Ariz., formerly of Alta, 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. on Monday, April 27, at United Methodist Church in Alta. Rev. Robert J. Strand will officiate. Committal services will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in Alta. A visitation will be held from 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, at United Methodist Church in Alta. Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove 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 Aug. 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 Sept. 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 a major part of Ruth’s life, beginning when she served as a church organist in junior high and continuing well into her 80s. She also taught piano lessons to many young aspiring pianists.
Ruth was a member of Assemblies of God Church in Truesdale and Storm Lake for many years, as well as 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 10 Conference and the National VFW Auxiliary.
In her later years, Ruth remained close to family, living at Autumn Glen Senior Living in Coon Rapids, Minn., where she enjoyed playing piano for weekly hymn sings whenever possible. In September of last year, she moved to Tucson, Ariz., 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; Joan (Roger) Pence of Tucson, Ariz.; Colleen (Barry) Sharp of Rogers, Minn.; and Lisa (Troy) Miranowski of Coon Rapids, Minn. 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; brothers: Kenneth (Darlene) Patten; Thomas (Joyce) Patten; Neil (Pat) Patten; and Doug (Virginia) Patten; her in-laws, Boyd (Marilu) Hoferman and Duane Hoferman.
