Born June 21, 1942 in Westfield, Illinois, Reba Joann Hoffman, beloved wife of Norman W. Hoffman of 47 years, passed away on July 2, 2011 after a long courageous battle with cancer. Predeceased by parents Francis Burl and Louise Virgina (Grant) Brock-Jones, Reba lived a fruitful and rewarding life. She was raised in Vandalia, Illinois and joind the high- school band playing the flute. Reba was first runner-up to Miss Vandalia in a beauty pageant who went on to become Miss Illinois of 1960. She was educated at Eastern Illinois University, where she met her husband, earning her B.S. Education degree that landed her at Washington Elementary School in Belvidere teaching third grade for most of her tenure. She was unanimously named the White Rose Queen by the Sigma Tau Gamma chapter in 1965 at EIU. Reba was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the world's largest female patriotic service organization. In 1978-79, Reba became First Lady of the Illinois Jaycees when her husband was elected president. She retired after enjoying teaching children for 35 years and shortly thereafter, moved with her husband to live full-time at the idyllic Lake Carroll in Carroll County. She enjoyed reading historical romance novels, playing scrabble, collecting dolls, attending the movie theater, watching her favorite film Gone With The Wind, and trying to best the one-armed bandit in Las Vegas. Even after retirement, Reba continued her enjoyment of teaching children. She wrote literature for children earning her a diploma from the Institute of Children's Literature. Reba most enjoyed spending time with her endearing family including her surviving husband Norman, sons Kurt, Jeffrey, and Michael and granddaughter Rachel. She is also survived by her siblings Richard (Elizabeth) Brock-Jones, Cara (Al) Rennert, and Jerry (Kris) Brock-Jones and their families.
Visitation will be from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. July 6 at Hermann Funeral Home, 415 S. Main Street, Pearl City, Illinois 61062. Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday July 7 also at the Hermann Funeral Home in Pearl City. Burial Service will be held at Lanark City Cemetery following the Funeral Service. A memorial fund has been established for the Illinois Jayce's Foundation. Condolences may be sent through www.hermannfuneralhome.com