Barbara Jean Hoffman

It is with great sorrow that the family of Barbara Hoffman announce her passing on July 9, 2023 at the age of 80 after a long battle with lung cancer. She left this world still fighting but peacefully, surrounded by a loving and grateful family. She is preceded in death by her husband John Hoffman, her parents Martin and Mary Hildenbrand and her grandson Jonathan Blandford.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children Sarah (Dean), Steve (Beckie) and Scott; grandchildren: Shelby, Jackson, Noah, Elijah, Ian and Nathaniel; brother Robert (Kay) and sisters Esther (Edward) and Charlene (Eugene); also by her longtime neighbor Pat Baynes and many friends, nieces and nephews.

Barb was born in Dale, Indiana and her work ethic began early in life on the family farm. She would soon work at Holiday World in its early days when it was known as Santa Claus Land. Catching the service industry bug, she worked at Stones Lodge Restaurant which she would eventually co-own with her friend Mary Ann. On weekends she would dance and do the limbo with her future husband John at the open-air dance floor Billy Neu’s. Eventually they would move to Louisville, Kentucky to begin a family.

She was the right mix of gritty determination and country hospitality. It made her a favorite waitress at Shoney’s where she would work for over 25 years. You could often hear the line, “We’ll wait for Barb’s section” by many customers in the Shoney’s waiting lobby. Over her career in the service industry, she would serve all variety of customers: families, workers, professionals, community leaders and professional athletes. They were all equal in her eyes as guests seeking a brief respite from the world and a good meal.

Barb was under the good impression that there wasn’t a problem in the world that couldn’t be solved over a slice of rhubarb crunch and a scoop of ice cream. Her kitchen was the heart of the home and from it emanated such aromas as to bring the family in from across the neighborhood. Everyone was welcome at her table, and no one left hungry. It was a testament to her that family and friends spent much of their time at the kitchen table eating and engaging in conversation rather than in front of the television. For a time she played a mean harmonica, enjoyed sweating in the garden, keeping a clean and orderly house (no seriously!) and guests both invited and unexpected. Later she would enjoy traveling to Florida with family and friends. The bright sunshine, warm sands and cool water were a source of great joy in her retirement years. She even had a penchant for renaming locations making it sound more fun. Who wouldn’t want to visit Pepsi Cola Florida.

She loved dressing up for special occasions but was more comfortable in hand-me-down jeans; loved entertaining but didn’t like anyone to fuss over her. She was generous to a fault with her time and skills but frugal at home. To this day her children and grandchildren remember to turn out a light, close the door and keep their showers under 5 minutes. She was easy to embarrass but quick to laugh even at her own faults. She was a constant beacon in her family’s life whose skilled hands could at once mend a wound, wipe away a tear and drive away the monsters of the night. There wasn’t a life she touched that she wasn’t touched by, consequently she was grateful to all the friends and family who gave her love, support and prayers especially during her final years.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, July 16th, from 2PM to 8PM at the Arch L. Heady at Resthaven Funeral Home, 4400 Bardstown Road. A service will take place on Monday at Noon at the funeral home and Barbara will be entombed at Resthaven Memorial Park following the service.

We would like to thank Mom’s Hosparus team Shanda, Jasmine and especially Amanda. Mom always enjoyed your gifts and visits. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Hosparus at hosparushealth.org. Clothing, furniture, appliances, etc. may also be donated at their Elizabethtown location.