Josephine Hoff

Josephine (Jo) Agnes Hoff dedicated herself to her friends and away in her home in Ephrata, Washington, at the age of 100 on July 04, 2025. She was born to Ralph and Mary Walker in Burke, South Dakota, on November 22, 1924. Jo’s mother passed away when she was 14, and until she married, she and her younger sister lived in a small house on their own. She attended high school in White River, South Dakota.
One of her fondest memories was playing the clarinet for the South Dakota Governor in the marching band. She enjoyed visiting the neighboring communities for weekend dances. At one such dance, she met the love of her life, Jacob Hoff, whom she later married on September 27, 1942, at the age of 17.
During World War II, she followed Jake to Alabama, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. After the war, they adopted Mary Jo and Michael. They raised them in Phillip, Murdo, and Mitchell, South Dakota and Soap Lake, Washington. They owned several businesses before they moved to Grant County, Washington, in 1968. They bought a house in Ephrata in 1970. In 1977, they took in their three granddaughters, Michele, Jody and Beth, and lovingly raised them. They babysat Tyson daily and loved having him helping Grandpa out. Jake and Jo sacrificed their retirement plans and offered their time, treasure and talents to create a better life for all their family. Jo was a lover of all animals, having many dogs and cats and even allowing Mike to have a pet raccoon. She fed her goldfinches and loved watching them outside her window.
She is survived by her son, Michael Hoff of Ephrata and grandson, Tyson, grandchildren Michele Deems (Aaron) of Carmichaels, PA, great-grandchildren Jacob Riddle of Del Rio, TX and Jared Broyhill of Ruther Glen, Virginia, Brandon Mccann of Waynesburg, PA and Jacob Deems of Carmichael, PA, Jody Forrest and great-granddaughter Lily of Ephrata, Beth Ries (Jonathan) and great-grandchildren Isaac, Jacob, Josephine and Cecilia of East Helena, MT, and grandsons Robert Wilkinson of Bakersfield, CA, and Justin Adreniran of Selah, WA. She is also survived by her many loving nieces and nephews, cousins, and relatives around the world. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jacob Hoff; siblings Ann Marie Hullinger, John Walker, and Lilian  Peters; daughter Mary Jo Wilkinson, grandsons Michael Yount, Derek Adreniran, and several relatives.
For over 55 years, Jo was a faithful member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Ephrata. She was an active member of the  community. She loved the pancake breakfasts and rummage sales. She followed Jake’s bowling games. In their retirement, she enjoyed traveling by RV to see her friends and family across the country. She enjoyed gardening, cooking delicious meals and treats, and reading. She will always be remembered for her delicious cookies, her love, and her faith.
A Rosary at 11 AM and a funeral Mass at Noon will be held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church October 13. A luncheon will be held following the Mass. A private burial will be held at a later date at Medical Lake, Washington Veterans Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Rose of Lima Catholic School in Ephrata, or the Grant County Humane Society.