Doris Claire Hoffman

Doris Claire Doyle Hoffman passed away on March 19, 2020 at Columbus Regional Hospital after a long illness. She was born in Batesville, Indiana at the home of her parents Edward and Georgia Smith Doyle on June 2, 1932. She was the first daughter and third child in a family of eight children. Doris attended Batesville High School and graduated in 1950. While in high school, she was a member of several choral groups and played trumpet in the band. She co-edited the school newspaper and yearbook and served on the student council. Active in her church, Doris sang in the choir, counseled at summer camp, and was a member of the youth group. After graduation Doris enrolled at Indiana State Teachers College where she majored in elementary education and minored in music. She was honored for achievement in both areas of study with invitations to Kappa Delta Pi and Sigma Alpha Iota. Doris graduated in 1954 with a bachelor of science degree. Her first teaching assignment was for the Richmond Community Schools in Richmond, Indiana in 1954. She taught in a grade four self-contained classroom which required her to teach all subject areas including art, music, and physical education. During her first year in Richmond she met and married the love of her life, Leon Hoffman, who taught junior high social studies in the same school system. They enjoyed a happy marriage of sixty years until Leon passed away in 2015. Doris became a stay-at-home mom to devote time and energy to her growing family of three sons and one daughter. In 1963 the family moved to Columbus, Indiana where Leon accepted a high school teaching position. When her children were school age, Doris served as a substitute teacher for BCSC for eight years while earning a master’s degree from Indiana University. She then returned to teaching full time for BCSC serving at Wayne Elementary, Fodrea Elementary, and Parkside Elementary before Leon and she retired. Doris was a devoted wife and mother. Her family was the center of her life. She was delighted to watch her children as they participated in many activities and was proud of the adults they became. She loved her five grandchildren and treasured the time they shared together. Some of her favorite pastimes included reading, crossword puzzles, crewel, embroidery, gardening, baking, and choral music. Doris was an active member of the First United Methodist Church where she was a member of the Chancel Choir and volunteered as the choir librarian for many years. Leon and she enjoyed serving in the Hot Meals program and smorgasbord dinners. Doris served two terms on the music committee and one term on the church school education committee. Doris was a member of the Bartholomew Retired Teachers and the Indiana State Retired Teachers Organization. Doris was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her daughter-in-law Rhonda Walker Hoffman, her brother John Doyle and his wife Helenrose Doyle, and sister-in-law Mary Lawson. Doris is survived by her children Mark Hoffman (Batesville), David Hoffman (Sarah) of Columbus, John Hoffman (Lisa) Indianapolis, and Claire Slone (David) of O’Fallon, IL. Surviving grandchildren include Gabe Hoffman (Chelsea), Seth Hoffman, Claudia Hoffman of Indianapolis, Ryan Slone and Elise Slone of O’Fallon, IL. Surviving siblings and spouses include Audrey Hildebrand (Cliff) of Greensburg, Calvin Doyle (Mary Ann) of Ohio, Richard (Judith) Doyle of Plano, Texas, David Doyle (Fran) of Rushville, Mary Jane Hughes (Jim) of Versailles, KY and Judith Doyle of Pleasanton, TX. Doris is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. There will be no funeral service or visitation in keeping with Doris’ wishes. Myers~Reed Chapel is in charge of arrangements.