Ruth H. Hoffman, 75, passed away on May 4, 2011, at the Hospice House of Reno County. Ruth Helen Rowland was born to William Vincent Rowland and Wilma Angeline Rowland (Roberson) on July 23, 1935, and was a lifelong resident of the Hutchinson area. Ruth attended Buhler High School and graduated in 1953.

She married Robert D. Hoffman with whom she had five children. They were together for 23 years. In 1968, Ruth earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Sterling College. Later in 1973, she completed her Master's Degree in Education from Wichita State University. After 27 continuous years as a teacher in the Hutchinson Public School System, she retired in 1996.

Ruth is survived by her son, Rick Hoffman, Fairway, Kan.; daughters, Susan Hoffman Deeds (Dewey), Buchanan, Ga., and Robin Beene (David), Tulsa, Okla.; sisters, Marjorie Ensz (Clarence), Hutchinson, Kan. and Emily Dell (Bob), McPherson, Kan.; brothers, Howard Rowland (Irma), Hutchinson, Kan., Charles Rowland (Clara), Bay City, Texas, and Clyde Rowland ( Jean), Hutchinson, Kan.; and three grandchildren, Aaron Miller (Jennifer), Raleigh, N.C., Austin Miller, Tulsa, Okla., and Makayla Beene, Tulsa, Okla.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Ruth Ann Hoffman; and a son, Stewart Roger Hoffman.

Ruth's joy stemmed from her love of family and friends. Her kind nature and genuine compassion for others was remarkable. She touched many lives in practical and positive ways and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Family will receive friends on Friday, May 13, 2011, 6 to 8 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main. Funeral service at Elliott Mortuary will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, 2011, with graveside services to follow in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery and Mausoleum, Hutchinson. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that memorial donations be made to The Hospice House of Reno County or to any preferred charity. Notes to the family may be sent to www.elliottmortuary.com.