Marla Claassen Hoffman

Marla (Claassen) Hoffman was born February 16, 1943, in Newton, KS to Walter A. Claassen and Jane (Entz) Claassen.  She joined her older brother Donovan.  They enjoyed life on the family farm and the close relationship with Claassen cousins who lived nearby.  Marla attended Plum Grove School, a one-room school for the first & second grades.   The next 2 ½ years her family lived in Uruguay, South America, where she was home schooled.  Her father was a volunteer with Mennonite Central Committee, helping refugees establish farms.  She learned German, the common language among the refugees while in Uruguay and through her lifetime she loved using German phrases in unexpected situations, especially when replying to a telemarketer on the phone.  Returning to the U.S. at age nine, she completed elementary schooling at Plum Grove until it closed, then transferring to the new consolidated school, Countryside.

 It was during these years that her mother taught Child Evangelism Classes in the local elementary schools.  Marla never forgot the day at one of those classes that she saw her need to confess her sins and place her faith in Jesus Christ.  

4-H was a big part of Marla’s childhood, although she would be quick to tell you that commanding control of a 1200-1300 lb. steer at a young age was much more her Dad’s idea than hers!

She received her high school education at Berean Academy and then decided to pursue the field of cosmetology, beginning schooling in Los Angeles, CA, and graduating from Vernon’s School of Cosmetology in Wichita, KS.  Cosmetology was her lifelong profession, first in Wichita, KS and then in TX.  She retired in 2011.   

Marla was especially fond of her three nephews, Dean, James and Jeff and she loved pouring into their lives.  She spoiled them and was their biggest cheerleader, eventually welcoming their wives and later their children in so many special “Aunt Marla” ways.  

In April, 1969, she married the love of her life, Bill Hoffman.  Bill was employed with Anderson Clayton so they moved to Euless, TX, where they resided until her death.  They made many lifetime friends during their nearly 55 years of marriage.  Bill & Marla enjoyed traveling and dining out with friends.  She loved helping people.  If her friends or family members couldn’t locate something, eventually someone would comment, “Tell Marla, if it’s available, she’ll find it!”   

Marla was rarely ill, so it came as a surprise when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in November of 2022.  During the ups and downs of chemo, she took treatment in stride.

Marla was at peace with meeting her Savior on February 2, 2024.  She left her husband Bill, her brother Donovan and wife Velma, three nephews and their wives, several brothers and sisters in law, numerous great nieces and nephews and great, great nieces and nephews.

The family will gather for a private burial at the Haldeman Cemetery in rural Potwin, KS.