Mary L. (Steele) Hoffman

With much sadness, the family of Mary Hoffman announces her passing on Wednesday February 8, 2023 at The Laurels of Bedford, in Battle Creek, Michigan at the age of 82.

Mary was born in Battle Creek, MI on July 4, 1940, to and James Oren Steele and Louise (Young) Steele. She graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1958, was an outgoing and energetic student and classmate, and enjoyed participating with the reunion committee. She worked at the A&W Root Beer Stand on Porter Street, Kentucky Fried Chicken in Urbandale, and Clark Equipment Company before beginning her 30+ year career in clerical and office management positions at various automobile dealerships in the Battle Creek area, including DeNooyer Chevrolet, DeMaagd Oldsmobile, and Stan Lassen Pontiac Cadillac. After stepping away from administrative work, she commenced an encore career in adult care for many elderly members of the Battle Creek community.

After meeting in high school, Mary married William Clawson and began their family, raising three children together throughout the 1960s and 70s – Edward, William Jr., and Lucinda. After her marriage to William ended in divorce, she was later married briefly to Ross Hoffman and thoroughly adored her extended family.

Mary enjoyed laughing, dancing, traveling, the outdoors, camping, fishing, and mushrooming. She was an avid swimmer, water skier, bowler, fabulous cook and entertainer, and opened her home to many families and friends for any and all occasions throughout her adult life. She cherished her pets, flower gardens, and her church family.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Stanley Steele in 1988, her son William Clawson Jr. in 2021, dearest friends Tom Watson and Sue and Harold Titus. She is survived by her children Edward (Rhonda) Clawson, Lucinda (Scott) Keeler, grandson Brent Clawson, granddaughter Olivia (Darryl) Eckstein, granddaughter Shelby Keeler, grandson Jacob (Chelsea) Keeler, and her great-grandchildren Addisyn Milnes, Aubree Milnes, Gage Eckstein, her newest great-grandson James Keeler, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family will welcome friends beginning at 9:00 a.m. Thursday February, 16 at Maple United Methodist Church in Battle Creek for a Celebration of Life at 10:00 a.m. A potluck luncheon will follow (please bring a favorite dish to pass), then onto graveside services at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens in Battle Creek at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be placed at ROAR (Reflections Outcast Animal Rescue) or to Maple United Methodist Church. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com