Shirley Jean Hoffman (1924-2016)

 

   Shirley Jean (McKnight) Hoffman passed away peacefully on September 30, 2016, at her home in Carson City, Nevada, at age 91.  She was attended by her sons and hospice caregivers.

   Shirley Hoffman was born Shirley Jean McKnight on November 27, 1924, in Flora, Illinois, the daughter of Gerald and Florence McKnight.  Shirley graduated from Flora Township High School in 1942.  After a brief stint in Rhode Island, she worked as a city telephone operator in Flora before moving to Chicago for employment at the Merchandise Mart during World War II. 

   In 1945 Shirley and her cousin Martha Clark, of Flora, moved to California, where Shirley married Kenny Hoffman of suburban Los Angeles.  During their 65 years of marriage, Shirley and Kenny lived in Long Beach and South Lake Tahoe, California, as well as in Reno and Carson City, Nevada.   She was a homemaker and for many years served as a volunteer at the Veterans Hospital in Long Beach.  Having a subtle sense of humor, she loved holding good conversation with family and friends, shopping, preparing sumptuous meals, reminiscing about her Clay County roots, and caring for her long line of loveable companion dogs.  She and Kenny traveled widely on the West Coast.

   Shirley is survived by her two sons: Stephen Hoffman of Grass Valley, California, and Kenneth Hoffman of Carson City, Nevada; one brother: Roger McKnight of St. Peter, Minnesota; five grandchildren; as well as nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Kenny Hoffman; and one brother, Gerald McKnight of Flora.

   Cremation was performed by the Neptune Society of Reno, Nevada.  A private family memorial service is planned.