Lina Elizabeth Hoffenbacker
Obituary
September 16 1934 – July 9, 2025 | Age 90
Lina Elizabeth Hoffenbacker, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2025, at the age of 90.
Born in Longview, Washington to Russell and Mildred Taber, Lina grew up in Stevenson, Washington and Portland Oregon, where she spent her childhood surrounded by the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She pursued her lifelong calling of caring for others by earning her nursing degree at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU). It was there she met the love of her life, Gordon Hoffenbacker, her devoted husband of 67 years in a “Modern Marriage” class.
Lina and Gordon began their life together in Longview, welcoming their first child, Laura. Their journey took them to Tacoma, where their son Greg was born, and later to Seattle, where they completed their family with daughter Carol. Seattle became Lina’s cherished home for the rest of her life.
A dedicated nurse and loving homemaker, Lina balanced her professional compassion with her devotion to her family. Her faith was a guiding light; she was an active member of St. James Lutheran Church and later Grace Lutheran Church, where she shared her time, talents, and warmth with her community. Lina also volunteered for many years with “Connections,” a daycare program for people living with dementia, offering kindness and comfort to those in need.
Lina was preceded in death by her parents, Mildred and Russell Taber, and her brother, Harry Taber. She is survived by her loving husband, Gordon; her children Laura (Joe), Greg (Colleen), and Carol; her cherished granddaughter Esppy Rodriguez; her brother James Taber (Marie); and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Lina’s life was defined by compassion, quiet strength, and an unwavering dedication to those she loved. She will be deeply missed but remembered always with gratitude and love.
A celebration of Lina’s life will be held at Grace Lutheran Church in Des Moines WA on September 6, 2025 at 1 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity in her memory.
To the sweetest lady I have ever known, rest in peace ❤️
My second mom.
I will forever remember all that you taught me. So many things!
Thank you for always welcoming me in your home, day in and day out for 18+years and giving me my best friend.
Thank you for introducing me to church and taking me every week for years.
Thank you for loving me and making the best grilled cheese sandwiches that I have ever had to this day.
Rest in peace Lina. You are one of a kind.I will never forget you.🩷
I have known Lina since the spring of 1957 when we met on a double date. Soon after she caught the eye of my dear friend Gordon. I was honored to serve as Best Man when they married. Lina was such a wonderful human being and will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. I will always remember the many joyous times I had with her and Gordon.