In Loving Memory

Gary LeRoy Hofstetter

Garry LeRoy Hofstetter, the oldest of 6 children, was born to Orval and Wauneta Nihart Hofstetter on January 9, 1942 in Colville Washington. He passed away surrounded by his loving wife and family on August 10, 2022 in his home near Gifford, Washington.

Garry lived most of his life in the Daisy/Gifford area.  He attended 1 ^st through 8 ^th grade at the Maud Country School and later graduated from Hunters High School in 1960.

During his youth he enjoyed playing football and baseball, playing on the school teams. He spent much of his time helping on the family farm and he knew early on he wanted to buy land and raise cattle. At the age of 19 he purchased his first land, which had once belonged to his great grandfather.

Garry was drafted into the military and served as a medic and operating room assistant.  Most of his military years were spent in Germany and he enjoyed traveling in Europe during his times of leave. He took many photos during this time and turned them into slide shows that he shared with his family and friends when he returned home.

After his military service Garry returned to the Gifford area and married the love of his life Judy McClain of Colville in 1973. Together they raised beef cattle, hay and six children; Shawn, Shannon, April, Christina, Bradley and Amber.  When the kids were young Garry had each of them memorize the Lord's Prayer and they would recite it while holding hands before dinner on the evenings when the whole family was all together. The family enjoyed taking road trips to many U.S. states and Canada. They also delighted in board games, card games, camping and fishing. Garry loved attending his kids' and grandkids sporting events. He could often be found watching basketball, baseball, softball, track and wrestling events. He especially loved watching the sons and grandsons play football, he never missed a football game. As he got older and the bleachers got taller, he would sit on the bottom row to watch the guys play.

Garry's life's work was raising cattle. He was still doing most of the feeding, and working with his cattle up until the spring of 2021 when his health declined greatly and his family took over more of the farming tasks. In March of 2022 he felt better and stronger and eagerly took over most of his own chores again until April.

Garry was preceded in death by his parents, brother Calvin Hofstetter and sister Judy Singer. Garry is survived by his wife of 49 years Judy Hofstetter; sons Scott Hofstetter of Mason WA; Shawn, (Darlene) Hofstetter of Addy WA; Bradley Hofstetter of Tacoma WA; daughters Shannon (Seth) Morris of Kettle Falls WA; April (Dustin) Hoegh of Kennewick WA; Christina (Dean) Tharaladson of Colville WA; Amber (Thomas) Milliette of Chewelah WA; 18 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; sisters Jackie Schwartz of Hunters WA, Sandra McCrea of Wellpinit, WA and Rena Gannon of Pennslyvania; 4 brothers in law and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Memorial service for Garry will be on Saturday August 20, 2022 at the Summit Valley Community Church at 1:00 pm with Blayne McCoy officiating. Danekas Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.