Natalie Janet Hoffman

Natalie Janet Hoffman, age 90, passed away peacefully in her home in Argentine, Kansas, on the late morning of May 24, 2025. Natalie was born on November 17, 1934, in Hays, Kansas, and raised in McCracken. Though officially born on the 17th, she proudly claimed the 16th, as her mother always insisted she arrived just before midnight. She was the youngest of three daughters born to Elbert and Geneva “Neva” Twiselton. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved sisters—Betty Jolly and Elberta “Bertie” Kappelman—and her nephews. In 1942, at the age of 8, Natalie moved with her family to the Argentine neighborhood of Kansas City, Kansas. She remained there for the next 82 years, spending the last 65 in the same home where she raised her family and created countless memories. Natalie began her career as a secretary for Swift and Company, working there from 1952 to 1963. She often shared the story of how she was required to resign after becoming pregnant—a point she always made sure to mention. She then devoted herself to raising her two children before joining the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (USD 500) in August of 1973, first as a librarian and later as a secretary for the Board of Education. Though her role was not in teaching, she built a long and dedicated career supporting public education. She retired in July 2004 after 31 years but continued serving the district for many years as a substitute secretary. Natalie was a woman of many talents and passions. A gifted pianist, she loved entertaining her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with impromptu concerts on her beloved piano. She was also a skilled seamstress, having sewn much of her children’s clothing in their younger years. Later in life, she took up crocheting, and many a couch is still adorned with the warmth of her handmade creations. Long before the digital age, she became a devoted genealogist, spending countless hours tracing her family’s roots and preserving the stories of generations past. Natalie was a natural storyteller. She delighted in reminiscing about her childhood, family, and adventures, and never missed an opportunity to strike up a conversation. “Never met a stranger” was more than a saying—it was how she lived her life. She also took great pride in her lifelong membership with the International Association of Rebekah Assemblies (the Rebekahs), a branch of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF). Natalie began attending lodge weekly in Argentine in 1956 and remained active for decades. She held numerous elected and appointed positions throughout the years, including Secretary, Past Noble Grand, Vice Grand, and Noble Grand. Her deep commitment to the organization and its guiding values of friendship, love, and truth was a defining part of her life. She cherished her family above all and carried lasting pride in her role as sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt. Natalie is survived by her daughter, Kimberly (Victor) Gibson (née Hoffman) of Kansas City, KS; her son, Phillip Hoffman of Kansas City, KS; four grandchildren: Devin (Ben) Orendac (née Weaver) of Bonner Springs, KS; Jessica (Eric) Weaver of Lawrence, KS; Molly (Jacob) Weaver of Kansas City, KS; and Jesse Hoffman of Kansas City, KS; seven great-grandchildren: Aidyn, Logan, Natalie, Andrew, Eric Jr., Haizley, and Willow—and one more expected soon. She was deeply loved and will be missed beyond measure. Visitation and Services will be held on Wednesday, June 4th, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Maple Hill Funeral Home, with a memorial service beginning at 2:00 P.M. Burial will immediately follow at Maple Hill Cemetery.

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Natalie Janet Hoffman

November 17, 1934 - May 24, 2025