Delores Isabel (Lantz) Hoff

– Dolores Isabel (Lantz) Hoff died Sunday, Aug. 21, 2016, at the age of 90 after a long and rich life that has inspired and shaped many. She was born Jan. 10, 1926, on a farm in Richardton, North Dakota, to Jacob and Frances Wetzstein Lantz. She was the ninth of 13 children, and after losing her mother at the age of 9, she gained another 13 siblings when her father remarried a widow with 13 children.

Dolores’ quick wit and sharp, curious mind were evident early. She skipped two grades, graduating from high school at the age of 16. She married Raymond Hoff on Sept. 4, 1944, and they ran a dairy farm in Ulen, Minnesota. They moved their growing family to Powell, Wyoming, in 1949, and then in 1956 they settled in Missoula and raised their 10 children.

Dolores’ family was her full-time job for many years, and in her few quiet moments she was a voracious reader and a crossword puzzle extraordinaire. She sewed clothes for all her children, and her cooking and baking skills were legendary.

The things that were unique about Dolores could fill a book. She had a talent for making every member of her large family feel special, finding subtle ways to nurture each child’s interests. Each of her grandchildren had a special relationship with her as well, and no one felt like just one in 20. We will always remember her for her remarkable intelligence, flair for words, unwavering faith in God, superhuman ability to get everything done, unconditional love and patience, zest for knowledge, and ability to see the good in everyone and every situation. Her many sayings and mottos will remain part of our family’s fabric.

Despite her serious work ethic, she always found time and appreciation for the absurd, often laughing until tears were rolling down her cheeks. She’d also delight in luring you into an intellectual debate and then arguing the other side, just to make you think. She taught her kids and grandkids to stay curious and keep laughing, even when things were tough, and she carried that grace to her final days.

After her family grew up, she continued serving others through increased commitment to her parish at St. Anthony's Catholic Church. She was president of Altar Society and Eucharistic minister, and she visited the elderly and other health-compromised shut-ins, touching the lives of people in need for all the years she was physically able. She and Ray received the Seniors of the Year Award in 2008.

Dolores lost her husband of nearly 70 years, Ray, on Jan. 10, 2013. Her nine daughters and one son all survive her: Joan (Mike) Carroll of Woodbury, Minnesota; Julie (Len) Smisek of Otsego, Minnesota; Rita (Ron) Klaudt of Juneau, Alaska; Rick (Dianne) Hoff of Missoula; Valerie Hoff of Missoula; Mary Lou (Doug) Lewis of Netarts, Oregon; Gail (Tim) Mace of Aloha, Oregon; Leah (Steve) Anzalone of Spokane; Anne (Dave) Harris of Colbert, Washington; and Donna (Jerry) Mitchell of Hamilton. She is also survived by her 20 grandchildren: Joshua Carroll, Jacob Carroll, Sara (Klaudt) Whitney, John Hoff, Dominick Hoff, Emily (Hoff) Haacke, Leanna Hoff, Molly (Morrison) Sherwood, Joel Morrison, Clare (Morrison) McKay, Katie (Lewis) Keller, Anne (Lewis) Fink, Cody Mace, Troy Mace, Benjamin Mace, Lacy (Anzalone) McNair, Maggie (Anzalone) Simchuk, Rachel Harris, Danny Mitchell and Nichole Mitchell; and 21 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one brother, Maynard Lantz of Bismarck, North Dakota.

A vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church. A memorial service will be held at St. Anthony's on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 1 p.m., with private interment following the service.

Cremation is under the care of Garden City Funeral Home. Condolences for the family can be left at missoulafuneralhomes.com.