Catherine S. Hofmeister, 96

Catherine S. Hofmeister passed away Dec. 30, 2011. She was born May 19, 1915, to Mr. and Mrs. Eugene J. Bauman of Lewiston.

Mrs. Hofmeister attended one year of schooling at the Lewiston Normal and three years at the University of Idaho where she majored in business. She was elected to membership in the Vandeleers, a singing group representing the U of I in 1937, and traveled around the state giving concerts. She pledged the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority in 1938. That same year she became an active member of Sigma Alpha Iota, a national music honorary.

In 1943 she accepted employment at Second Air Force Headquarters in Spokane as the private secretary to the Office in Charge of A-4 Section. The Second Air Force Headquarters was moved to Colorado Springs later that year. In Colorado Springs she met and became engaged to Otto "Bud" Hofmeister. They were married on Feb. 22, 1944, in Lewiston.

In 1951 Mrs. Hofmeister moved with her family to the Hayden Lake/Coeur d'Alene area of Idaho where she lived the remainder of her life. She was a devoted wife and mother for more than 60 years. Her interests included gardening, playing bridge, music and dancing. She loved to walk and was often seen keeping up a brisk pace in the Hayden Lake/Avondale area.

She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law: Rick and Nina Hofmeister of Liberty Lake, Wash., Jim and Bev Hofmeister of Liberty Lake; her daughter and son-in-law, Jan and Jim Smith of Spokane; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private memorial Mass was held at St. Pius X Catholic Church. There will be no public service.

Any memorial donations should be directed to St. Pius or the Coeur d'Alene Food Bank.

Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene, was entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Catherine's online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.