CAROL ANN (HINES) HOFFMAN passed away peacefully at home in the wee hours of Friday, June 30, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri. She was born on September 13, 1947, to Bill and Lewene (Leland) Hines in Lockhart, Texas.
She is survived by her husband of 39 years Ken Hoffman, their daughter Nicole Johnson Bratton (Jeff), brothers John Hines and Paul Hines (Peggy), sister Deborah Hines Day (Roger), granddaughter Towne Bratton, nephew Travis Echert (Hannah), niece Susan Hines Graham (Charlie), nephew Sam Hines, sister-in-law Diane Hoffman Nims (Chris) their son Adam (Amie), and the very close extended families of Tonya and Mike Walker and Joni and Jerry Kruntorad. Survivors also include countless cousins, high school buddies, former neighbors in Austin, Texas and Parkville, Missouri, and friends from all walks of life in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. She made instant connections and genuine friends wherever she went. She tended to be a rebel and to attract other rebels. They know who they are. None will ever forget her.
She was predeceased by her parents and her nephew, Ryan Echert.
Because her father was career Air Force, the family lived in several places around the U.S. and the world, including Japan, France, and Germany, before finally landing at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, where she graduated from Randolph High School.
Carol Ann attended the University of Texas at Austin for a year and then went to work in the Office of the Texas Secretary of State. Ultimately, she spent a decades-long career as an extraordinarily skilled legal secretary, paralegal, and law office manager. She was so smart, perceptive, and resourceful that she could have easily been a highly successful lawyer if she had been so inclined. Instead, as she liked to say, she trained a lot of lawyers!
Carol Ann was a special person who meant so much to so many it is very difficult to describe her in a few words. She was devoted to her husband, family, and friends almost to a fault. She was quietly tough-minded and resilient with an inner strength of will that was sometimes to her detriment because of her selflessness. Despite her gregariousness, she was also a very private person who never outwardly sought credit for the many things she did for others as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, mentor, advisor, confidant, and friend. She was a talented chef who could prepare a meal from almost anything except fish. She hated fish. She had an uncanny knack for finding cafés and restaurants and picking the best (but not the most expensive) items on the menu, even in cities and countries where she had never been.
Carol Ann was famously frugal yet unflinchingly generous. “Plan” was one of only a few four-letter words she refused to use. She had definite opinions but was non-judgmental of others. She loved: snow; all of Canada, especially Quebec City; parties of two to 200; spicy food, especially Mexican; hole-in-the-wall cafés; visiting old cemeteries; grocery shopping so she could make a new dish she had thought of; reading cookbooks but never following the recipes exactly as written because her changes made them better; and giving her husband, family, and friends grief in some hilarious way. It was almost impossible to have the last word with Carol Ann. It remains to be seen if her passing will change that.
Above all, Carol Ann was loving and loyal, compassionate and kind. She will be forever loved and missed, and her memory will be cherished.
Carol Ann was a registered organ donor. Following her cremation, a small family gathering is planned. Impromptu celebrations of her life are likely in the near future. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either or both of the following charitable organizations:
Feed Northland Kids — https://feednorthlandkids.org
Hillcrest Platte County – Family Transitional Housing — https://hillcrestplatte.org
Memories of Carol Ann and condolences to the family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com
Kenny Ray-know we are thinking about you and Nikki.
Kenny Ray, so very sorry for the grief you’re dealing with.
High school days at Randolph AFB were greatly improved by this wonderful woman. I loved that she was always a straight shooter and never apologized. Funny, cantankerous, the most loyal of friends, opinionated, crazy, and totally off the wall. The world lost a one of a kind gal and we will all miss her. Hopefully she is getting ready for the rest of the gang so we can party.
… and Canada loved Carol Ann . We were just two of the many in Canada who were fortunate to have shared good times and experiences with Kenny Ray and Carol Ann. Carol Ann’s company, wit and sense of humor will be cherished. Kenny Ray, we are so sorry for your loss. Gordon and Michelle Hearn
Kenny Ray, we are sorry to hear Carol Ann has passed. Our thoughts are with you and your family. May her memory be a blessing. Wes and Pat
Kenny Ray, I am so heartbroken for you and your entire family. May all the wonderful memories bring you comfort. You are in my prayers. Much love being sent your way.
Kenny so sorry that you lost the love of your life. She was just so gracious. You and your family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace.
So very sorry to hear of Carol’s passing. She was a ray of sunshine for me and she will be dearly missed. Sending love and prayers for the family, from cousin Bev.