Elwood Lester Schoff

Elwood Schoff passed away peacefully at home in Laguna Woods, California on April 5th surrounded by his three children, just a few weeks short of his 91st birthday. He was born in LaPorte, Indiana, the oldest of 11 children born to Verma Short and Lester Schoff. A few years after graduating from Knox High School, Elwood joined the US Army and was stationed in Japan during the Korean War.

After returning from the war, Elwood attended Ball State University, where he received his teaching credential and later his master’s degree. He first taught in Columbus, Indiana, and later at Redkey Elementary in Muncie, Indiana. While teaching in Indiana, Elwood met his wife of 50 years, Ruth Carmichael, daughter of Dr. A. Max Carmichael, a professor at Ball State University. In 1960, Elwood and Ruth relocated their family to Santa Ana, California, where they both taught for Santa Ana Unified School District for many years.

“Mr. Schoff” was a well-known and beloved teacher at Santa Ana High School from 1960 to 1993, teaching multiple generations of families. In addition to teaching Social Science, Political Science, and Economics, he was the Junior Achievement advisor. However, when people asked him what he taught, he would slyly respond that he taught students! Although he loved teaching classes, he was most proud of being the Kiwanis Bowl Coach at SAHS, which he fondly remembered with great detail until his final days, having led several of his teams to victory.

“Mr. Schoff” was also known for his Hoosier sense of humor. He once said that he told the Santa Ana Unified School District that they needed an agricultural permit before he could teach there because of his “Indiana Corn.” Even in his final days, he maintained his witty sense of humor and made those around him laugh.

Elwood was preceded in death by his wife and four of his brothers. He is survived by his three children Alan (wife Becky and daughter Naomi) Schoff of Indianapolis, Liz Schoff of Laguna Woods, and Carolyn (husband Damian) Christian of Northridge, and his step-daughter Maureen McKahan of Tustin and her family. He is also survived by four sisters and two brothers, and dozens of nieces, nephews, and their family members, most of whom still live in Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to the American Cancer Society.

Outdoor services are scheduled for Wednesday, April 14th at 1:00 PM at the Santa Ana Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.fairhavenmemorial.com for the Schoff family.