Marlene Susan 'Sue' Dale Hoffman, 57

Marlene Susan Hoffman, 57, passed away suddenly Jan. 22, 2009, of a massive heart attack. Sue, as everyone called her, "went to be with the Lord were she is celebrating free of pain and able to walk, run, sing and dance with joy."

Sue was born June 16, 1951, in Yakima, Wash., to Lionel and Fern Dale. She was raised in Selah, Wash. She was the youngest of three children, raised as an only child as she lost her sister and brother at a young age.

After graduating high school, she went to college a short time and was a certified nursing assistant. She worked most of her life in nursing homes, and she worked at home health care in Kalispell.

Sue married the love of her life, Benjamin Franklin Hoffman III, in 1972; he passed away in 1990. They had three children. Sue raised her kids and stayed in Yakima, until she moved to Bigfork with her kids in 1999, where she lived until her death.

Sue enjoyed going to church most of her entire life and, most of all, she enjoyed her three grandchildren. She was very close and involved in all their activities and never missed an opportunity to be with them.

Sue is survived by daughters,Tina Batin, of Bigfork, and Tonya Hoffman of Casper Wyo.; son, Benjamin Franklin Hoffman IV of Kalispell; and three grandchildren, Tanner Batin, Amanda Batin and Kelsey Batin, all of Bigfork.

"She joins in heaven" her mom, her dad, a sister and a brother, her grandparents on both sides and several aunts uncles, nieces and nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking donations be made to Buffalo Hill Funeral Home, in care of Tina Batin.

Viewing will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home.