- Date Of Birth: February 24, 1924
- Date Of Death: August 14, 2021
- State: Colorado
A leap-year baby, Dixie was born in Oberlin, KS on February 29, 1924. Her parents were Fred and Cora (Gierhart) Patton. Fred was the manager of Foster Lumber. Cora was born in a sod house in Ludell, and her mother came west in a covered wagon.
Dixie graduated from DCHS in 1942, one of the largest classes ever. Tragically, several classmates were killed by a tornado shortly before graduation.
Dixie was always musical.
After high school, she worked for the Ration Board, and after a couple of years, she saved enough money to enroll at the University of Colorado in Boulder, CO.
During her first year at college, she met Edward C. Hofmann, a B-17 Flight Engineer stationed at Lowry Air Force Base. They were married in 1945. After the war, they settled in the Denver area, and they had four sons: Thomas, Peter, Richard and William.
Dixie was a wonderful mother, and she created and maintained lots of special family traditions; she always made Christmas time special, baking lots of delicious cookies and treats.
She pitched in building the family vacation home near Keystone Ski Area, and in the decades that followed, Dixie enjoyed the mountains and became an ardent cross-country skier. She competed in a number of 5K ski races, and the cabin was festooned with her racing bibs.
In addition to skiing, Dixie also was an avid golfer. She was a member of the women’s 9-hole team at Columbine Country Club. Their team would host or travel to other courses to compete with other teams.
Dixie enjoyed bowling and working out at Curves. She exemplified the virtues of leading an active, fit life.
Dixie was a dedicated member of PEO. Last year she was recognized as a 75-year member. She joined Eastern Star in Oberlin, and was recently recognized as a 75-year member of that organization as well.
Sadly, Dixie’s first husband, Edward, died suddenly in 1983.
In 1985, Dixie married Melvin C. Ruland, and they enjoyed 22 wonderful years together. They enjoyed golfing and socializing at Columbine Country Club.
Dixie and Mel were members of DiMuDa (Dinner, Dancing and Music). Mel in his tuxedo and Dixie in one of her gowns, they would dance the night away at the Broadmoor or other beautiful locale.
Sadly, Melvin died in 2007.
Dixie remained in her home, living independently until, finally, in October, 2020, she moved into Assisted Living at Morning Star Littleton. Dixie passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of August 14, 2021.
Dixie’s parents, husbands and eldest son (Thomas E. Hofmann) preceded her in death.
She is survived by son, Peter C. Hofmann; son Richard J. Hofmann; son, William P. Hofmann and wife, Brenda Amundson Hofmann; grandson Kevin Hofmann and wife, Amy Hofmann; granddaughter Evanne Scully and husband Kevin Scully; grandson CPO Parker Hofmann, USCG and wife, Rachael Hofmann; grandson Ryan Hofmann; granddaughter Ashley Amundson; great-grandson Connor Scully; great-grandson Quinn Scully; great-granddaughter Anslee Hofmann; great-grandson Henry Hofmann.
