Obituary of Ruth A. Hoffer

Celebrating the Life of Ruth A. Hoffer

Ruth A. Hoffer, 80, of Bainbridge, PA, peacefully entered the glory of heaven on Saturday, June 20^th, 2026 at home. Born in Lebanon to the late Rev. Caleb A. and Erma H. (Koser) Kreider, Ruth was a woman whose life was shaped by her love for Jesus Christ and her commitment to serving others. She shared a loving marriage with her husband, Kervin S. Hoffer, for 59 years, building a home centered on faith, family, hospitality, and hard work.

A devoted follower of Jesus Christ, Ruth was an active member of Chiques Church, where she taught children's Sunday school, served in church leadership and outreach ministries, and faithfully shared the Gospel through prison ministry and the Bible2School program. Her faith was evident not only in her service but also in the encouragement and care she extended to others throughout her life.

Ruth graduated from Annville-Cleona High School in 1967 and earned her practical nursing degree from Good Samaritan School of Nursing, graduating first in her class. She worked as a licensed practical nurse before dedicating herself to raising her family. She later served in the lunch programs of the Elizabethtown Area School District and assisted with bookkeeping for her husband's business.

Nothing brought Ruth greater joy than her family. She treasured time spent together at the family cabin in Elk County, tending her garden, preserving its harvest, and preparing meals for those she loved. Her homemade soups, created without recipes and never quite possible to duplicate, became a family favorite and a reflection of her generous spirit. Most of all, she found great joy in seeing her children and grandchildren walking with the Lord and growing in their faith.

Ruth's legacy is carried on by her husband, Kervin; her children, Cindy (Jeff) Mylin of Lancaster, Cathy (Shawn) Erb of Ephrata, Jason (Beth nee Davis) Hoffer of Hummelstown, and Bryan Hoffer of Philadelphia; seven beloved grandchildren; four siblings. Mary (Kenneth) Ober of Towanda, Erma (Robert) Bruckhart of Manheim, Elizabeth (J. Lester) Heistand of Manheim, and Caleb (Connie) Kreider of Manheim; a brother-in-law, Clair Mummau of Mount Joy; and many extended family members and dear friends.  She was also preceded in death by a sister, Jean Mummau.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday morning, June 25, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Chiques Church, 4045 Sunnyside Road, Manheim, PA 17545. Family and friends are invited to attend a public viewing at the church on Wednesday evening from 5:00–7:00 PM.  There will be no public viewing or visitation prior to the service on Thursday.  However, all are invited to a graveside service at Chiques Cemetery on Thursday morning at 10:00 AM.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ruth's memory to the benevolent fund of Chiques Church. To share condolences or for additional information, visit www.spencefuneralservices.com.