Leah Littlefield-Hoffman

Leah Hoffman (Wicks) of Rogue River, 83, passed away on 08-22-2024 at Rogue Regional Medical Center with family by her side. 

 Our mother was a lovely lady with a beautiful smile and a heart of gold. She was our closest friend, our biggest advocate and always had an ear to listen. Her family was everything to her. Leah’s story is one of love, resilience, and a life well-lived. Her spirit will remain woven into the fabric of her family, friends and community. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will forever be a source of warmth and strength.

 Besides her parents, Leah was preceded in death by our father, Lane Littlefield (1983) and our step-father, Donald Hoffman (2000). She also has a son, Robert (Bob) Littlefield, who has been missing from the Navy for over 40 years. We recently learned that he is declared a deserter, a classification that we intend to repeal.

 Those family members left behind to cherish her memory include her son Larry (Sandy) Littlefield, grandson Lane (Tiffany). Son John Littlefield, grandkids Tyler, Hannah (great grandkids Rex & Rocky). Daughter Kristy Littlefield, granddaughter Rebecca (Joel & great grandson Cassius) Garvey, grandson Alex Emerson. Son Aaron Hoffman, grandkids Jessica, Kayla (Rob & great grandkids Blake, Ramona, Malcolm), Hailey, Donnie and Charlie. Her sister, Janie, lives in San Antonio, Texas.

 Leah spent all 12 years in the Rogue River School district before graduating a proud Chieftain in 1959. After graduation, she spent a short time living in San Francisco, working for 20th Century Fox and sowing some oats while away from home. She returned to Rogue River, married our dad, Lane, in 1960 and went on to have four children. We had a childhood rich in camping, rafting, fishing, hunting and all things outdoors. 

 In 1974, she started her 25 year long career at the Rogue River Post Office. Those that didn’t know her personally may recognize her from there. As her postmaster recently related to us, she was the face of the post office during that era. Halloween was one of her favorite holidays. All of our costumes growing up, as well as hers at the post office, were always handmade and very intricate. Like her sense of humor, some were even a little inappropriate. The community would make a special trip to get their mail just so that they could see her latest costume creation.

 Unfortunately, her first marriage didn’t last, but their friendship never wavered. In 1980, our family grew when she married Don. She was blessed with two great loves and we had two of the best dads. Together with Don, their yard looked like a photo out of Better Homes & Gardens, complete with an in ground pool. A true matriarch, her love of cooking and entertaining made our home the gathering place for young and old alike. Mom hosted RRHS reunions as often as possible and allowed all of her kids ample time “poolside” with our friends. She was a surrogate mom/grandma to countless kids over many decades.

 Mom retired early to care for Don in his final months of life as he battled cancer. Her strength and fortitude through so many tragedies instilled in all of us the courage to move forward. As a newly widowed retiree, she spent some time volunteering at the Cancer Center in Grants Pass and dabbled in artistic outlets to fill her time. She enjoyed oil painting, needle work, sewing, gardening, dancing, most televised sports and of course, cooking. Passing on her knowledge and traditions to her kids and the grandchildren that she adored brought her so much joy. She also wanted more babies… lots and lots more great grand babies.

 With the exception of her family, her love for food and friends gave her the most pleasure. Mom didn’t believe in “secret recipes”. If she liked a dish, she would ask for the recipe. Likewise, if you enjoyed hers, she would pull out a pen and happily write it down for you. It was her ideal flattery. She was such an outstanding cook with so many recipes that for Christmas one year we all received the “Littlefield Cookbook”… a priceless heirloom for generations to come. It would be our pleasure to share these recipes with you and your family. The best way to honor her legacy would be to sit around your kitchen table with your loved ones, sharing stories and laughter. Her kitchen was her happy place.

 It is impossible to summarize the entire life of someone that you hold so dear in a short article, especially while grieving. Our mother was all of these things and so much more. She was our mother, our grandmother, our hero, our rock and the glue that will always hold us together.

 Leah’s memorial service is scheduled for 1:00 PM Saturday November, 30th at the Rogue River Live Oak Grange.