Mary Ruth Hofrichter

Mary Ruth Hofrichter, age 95 of Warren, died Friday, October 23, 2020 at Ascension St. John Hospital in Warren, Michigan. She was born December 2, 1924 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Daughter of the late Cornelius Fontane and the late Helen Bessie (nee: Sleeper) Brown.

Born and raised in the southernmost part of Tennessee, Mary’s hometown of Chattanooga afforded her some wonderful memories of growing up as a child, working her way through school, and transitioning into a beautiful young woman. But life and location would change for Mary when, at 17 years old, she headed north to Michigan to make her new home in the burgeoning community of Roseville. Change also came for Mary when she shared those sacred vows of marriage with her southern sweetheart, the young & dashing Virtie Ernest Alexander in 1942. She was a gorgeous bride of 18 years old. The newlyweds would go on to welcome three beautiful children into their world, and Mary poured the best of herself into providing them all the comforts of home and the utmost in tender-loving-care. Following Virtie’s passing, love would find its way into Mary’s heart again, this time through the handsome Walter Hofrichter,…who brought 2 more children for Mary to love, as well.  

Aside from the responsibilities of raising a family and keeping an orderly home, Mary was also part of the workforce when she took a position with the grocery giant, Kroger’s. Her work history would also reflect that she spent some time with another grocery chain by the name of Wrigley’s. With her outgoing personality and helpful spirit, Mary was the perfect person for being in the public eye and available for customer service. She loved interacting with the community, and there’s probably no better time to engage a person than when they’re loading their carts with comfort food. Another entry on Mary’s resume would also include the time spent working for the folks at Meals-On-Wheels. Again with food, she was still in the business of making people happy,…just making it more convenient for those who could not venture out.

Mary’s family, and extended loved ones, will also remember how food was quite important to her at home as well,…hence, the talents she exuded in the kitchen as an exemplary cook. All she needed was a stove, an oven, and some preparation space, then just step back and watch the magic unfold before your eyes. It’s been said, “when you’re eating, you’re happy,”…and Mary always sought to quicken smiles around the table at mealtime. If you left her table hungry, you simply weren’t tryin’.

Mary will also be remembered for her love of travel. Any venture she embarked upon was something special to be added to her portfolio, but some of the extra-special trips were those shared with her first husband, Virtie when they traveled back home to Tennessee for visits with family and friends from their roots. With second husband, Walter, the trips came with a different highlight,…this time as they ventured across the “Pond” (the Atlantic Ocean) to  Germany and Austria. With ties infused from his native culture, Mary was more than elated to follow Walter to these European delights.

For those that may not know, Mary was also quite light on her feet. Coming from an era where hanging out at the local ballroom was the thing to do, and most everybody possessed their own skills on the dance floor, Mary loved “tripping the light fantastic” and displaying her own style of the iconic, Ginger Rogers. It was a great way to meet and share with friends, along with getting some good exercise in the process. It was a different day, rife with the kind of entertainment that was both pervasive and coveted.

Of the many ways Mary will be remembered, her membership with the Order of the Eastern Star is sure to stand out, as it certainly did to her. A Masonic appendant body since 1850, Mary found a special joy and pleasure in the camaraderie she shared within the organization, and managed to attain the level of “Worthy Matron” amidst her longstanding and loyal association.

A loving wife, mother and grandmother, most will reflect on Mary’s loving-kindnesses, her sense of compassion, and that active spirit of hers that kept her going strong. She was blessed with a host of loving family members and friends and loved every minute in their company,…especially when it included her cherished grandchildren. They were truly the light of her life whose youthfulness definitely kep-t her young at heart. She leaves behind a wonderful legacy of love, and memories that are sure to warm the heart of all who reminisce on the extraordinary lady she was to all. She will be missed immensely and loved eternally.             

Mary was the beloved wife of the late Walter Hofrichter, and formerly of the late Virtie Ernest Alexander. Dear mother of Lawanda Alexander, Douglas (Debbie) Alexander, Darrell (Donnia) Alexander, and stepmother of Rodney & Claudia Hofrichter. Loving grandmother of Audra Pruder, Lorie Gardner, Jeremy (Keren) Alexander, Hannah Cowart, Sarah (Kevin) Harris, Matthew Alexander, and the late Luke Alexander. She is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren, and preceded in death by 8 siblings.

Visitation for Mary will be held Friday, October 30th from 3-9 pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren.

Her Funeral Services will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 31st  at the funeral home.

Memorial donations are welcomed to Grace Life Family Church, 762 N. Scenic Highway, Babson Park, FL 33827...(www.glfcfl.org)

Please share memories of Mary at her guest book below.